Bike Chains

(99 products)

A bike chain transfers power from your pedals to the rear wheel and is one of the most important parts of your bike’s drivetrain.

Shop our range of bike chains for mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes, BMX and commuter bikes from leading brands including Shimano, SRAM and KMC.

Not sure which chain fits? Match your replacement chain to the number of gears on your rear cassette for the best shifting. For example, use a 10-speed chain with a 10-speed bike cassette.

Bike Chain Buying Guide

Choosing the right bike chain helps improve shifting performance, reduce drivetrain wear and extend the life of your cassette and chain-rings.

The two most important things to match are:

The number of gears on your rear cassette.
Compatibility with your drivetrain components.

Bike Chain Compatibility Guide

Bike chains all use the same basic half-inch pitch, but that does not mean every chain is interchangeable.

As drivetrains gain more rear gears, the spacing between cassette cogs becomes narrower. Which means chains also become narrower to maintain smooth shifting and reliable performance.

Always match your replacement chain to the number of gears on your rear cassette.

Important Compatibility Notes

Match your chain to the speed of your rear cassette.

Matching your drivetrain brand generally provides the most consistent shifting.
Some premium drivetrain systems use proprietary chain designs.
SRAM Flattop 12-speed chains should only be used with compatible SRAM cassettes.
Mixed drivetrain setups may require additional compatibility checks.

Rear Cassette	Typical Chain Width*	Recommended Collection
6–8 Speed	Wider (~7mm)	Shop 6/7/8 Speed Chains
9 Speed	~6.5–7mm	Shop 9 Speed Chains
10 Speed	~6mm	Shop 10 Speed Chains
11 Speed	~5.5mm	Shop 11 Speed Chains
12 Speed	~5.3mm	Shop 12 Speed Chains

*Approximate external chain widths.

How to Choose the Right Bike Chain

Match Your Cassette Speed

Your replacement chain should match the number of gears on your rear cassette.

Examples:

9-speed cassette uses a 9-speed chain.
10-speed cassette uses a 10-speed chain
11-speed cassette uses a 11-speed chain

Using the wrong chain may reduce shifting performance and increase drivetrain wear.

Match Your Drivetrain Components

For the most reliable shifting, match your chain to your drivetrain brand where possible.

Popular combinations include:

Shimano chains with Shimano drivetrains
SRAM chains with SRAM drivetrains
KMC chains can be used across either Shimano or SRAM.

Cross-compatibility exists, but manufacturer recommendations should always take priority.

Match Your Riding Style

Mountain Bike Chains

Designed for changing terrain, mud and higher load conditions.

Road Bike Chains

Built for efficient power transfer and smooth shifting.

E-Bike Chains

Designed to handle increased torque and drivetrain load.

BMX & Single Speed Chains

Typically wider and built for durability.

How Long Does a Bike Chain Last?

Chain lifespan depends on riding conditions, maintenance and drivetrain setup.

Cleaning and lubricating your chain regularly may improve performance and reduce wear.

Riding Type	Typical Chain Life
Road Bike	3,000–5,000km
Mountain Bike	2,000–4,000km
E-Bike	Inspect more frequently

How Do You Know When to Replace a Bike Chain?

Bike chains gradually wear over time.

Signs it may be time to replace your chain:

Skipping under load
Slower or rough shifting
Increased drivetrain noise
Visible corrosion
Excess wear measured with a chain checker

Replacing a worn chain early may help extend the life of your cassette and chainrings and reduce overall drivetrain replacement costs.

Are Premium Bike Chains Worth It?

Not all bike chains are built the same.

Premium chains may include higher quality materials, tighter manufacturing tolerances and surface treatments designed to improve durability, corrosion resistance and shifting performance.

Lower-priced chains may reduce upfront cost but can wear faster depending on riding conditions and maintenance.

For most riders, replacing chains before excessive wear occurs is often more important than buying the most expensive model.

Installing a New Bike Chain

Replacing a chain?

You may also need replacement quick links or chain pins to complete installation.

Explore Chain Quick Links and Pins.

Quick links make installation easier and help create a secure chain connection.

Bike Chain FAQs

What size bike chain do I need?

You need a chain that matches the number of speeds on your cassette (e.g. 9, 10, 11 or 12 speed).

Chains are not interchangeable across all speeds.

Are all chains compatible?

Not always.

While some chains work across brands (like KMC and YBN), it’s best to match your chain to your drivetrain (Shimano, SRAM, etc.) for optimal performance.

How often should I replace my bike chain?

Most chains should be replaced every 3,000–5,000 km depending on riding conditions.

Regular checks with a chain wear tool are recommended.

What happens if I don’t replace a worn chain?

A worn chain can prematurely wear your cassette and chainrings, leading to more expensive repairs.

Do e-bikes need special chains?

Yes.

E-bike chains are reinforced to handle higher torque and typically last longer under load.