How Much Is A Mountain Bike Chain

A mountain bike chain is a critical piece of the bicycle’s drivetrain. It takes power from the pedals, transmits it to the rear wheel, and lets you ride uphill with relative ease.

The chain is made up of two interlocking metal plates that are connected by rivets. These plates have teeth on them that are designed to mesh with sprockets on the bike’s crankset to transfer power from one part of the drivetrain to another.

How much do mountain bike chains cost?

Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear. A more expensive chain may be a few grams lighter as well if weight is a concern for you.^[1]

How long do MTB chains last?

Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.^[2]

What chain do I need for mountain bike?

Which mountain bike chain should you buy? Most modern mountain bikes feature a 1X (‘one-by’) drive system, which means they use just one chainring at the front (as opposed to two or three that used to be common), and a wide range of gears on the rear cassette.^[3]

How long will bike chain last?

So, how long do bike chains last? In general, a good chain will last 2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3 to 4 years. Chains on mountain bikes and electric bikes will get worn out faster. Many factors can influence chain life, such as conditions, speed, weight, and stress.^[4]

How much do chains cost?

$40 to $100: Semi-auto or “assisted” fitting tire chains will cost between $60 and $80, while self-centering chains with auto-tensioning will be a little bit more expensive for an average passenger vehicle.^[5]

What does a bike chain cost?

A bike chain costs anywhere from $10 to $90 depending on the brand, quality, and type of bike you’re buying it for. Basic, cheaper bikes that need a simple chain will be closer to $10. Higher quality chains that are durable and made for top notch road bikes will cost $60 to $90.^[6]

How do I know if my bike chain is worn?

Pull the chain at the front of the chainring as shown. If the chain starts to lift off the top and/or the bottom of where it sits on the chainring teeth, this means that the chain is starting to wear or is worn. If your chain lifts off the ring like this, it’s likely worn.^[7]

How do I know if my bike chain needs replacing?

Chain wear indicator You hook the curved end into the chain and if the gauge tip on the other end fits completely into a chain link, the chain is worn to the point it needs replacing (one side measures 0.5% wear, the other side measures 0.75% wear).^[8]

How often should I lube my MTB chain?

The majority of bicycle owner’s manuals and bike repair books recommend to clean and lube your mountain bike chain after every hard ride or after exposure to dirty and wet conditions.^[9]

How do I buy a mountain bike chain?

Simply find out how many gears, or ‘speeds’, you bike has (count the number of gears on the rear cassette and multiply it by the number of chainrings at the front), and pick the corresponding chain.^[10]

Are expensive bike chains worth it?

No. The only advantage of expensive chains within a specific brand is the minor reduction in weight. The ones with extra plating do look nicer and provide some corrosion resistance, but it takes almost no effort to keep your chain rust free.^[11]

Is it OK to use wd40 on bike chain?

WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free.^[12]