Determining bike chain size is crucial for optimal cycling performance and safety, and at usabikers.net, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you get it right the first time for your motorcycle adventures. By understanding the factors involved and following our expert tips, you can keep your bike running smoothly and enjoy a safer ride. Discover now how to measure your bike chain properly with our detailed insights on bicycle chain sizing, motorcycle chain length, and related terms.
Table of Contents
1. Preliminary Info
- What Types of Bike Chains Exist?
- What Tools Do I Need to Determine Bike Chain Size?
2. Checking and Removing the Old Chain - How to Check if Your Current Chain Length Is Correct?
- How to Remove a Master Link Chain?
- How to Remove a Connecting Rivet Chain?
3. Sizing the New Chain to the Original Chain - How to Size a Bike Chain Using the Old Chain?
4. Largest Cog & Largest Chainring Method - How to Measure Chain Length Using the Largest Cog and Chainring?
5. Method for Drivetrains with Large Rear Cogs - How to Size a Chain for Drivetrains with 42T or Larger Rear Cogs?
6. Exceptions & Considerations - What Are Some Chain Sizing Exceptions and Considerations?
7. Bike Chain FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Chains
1. Preliminary Info
What Types of Bike Chains Exist?
Bike chains come in two primary types: master link chains and connecting rivet chains. Master link chains use removable outer plates for connection, while connecting rivet chains employ a special rivet. Understanding the difference is essential for proper maintenance.
- Master Link Chains: These chains use a master link, also known as a quick link, which consists of two removable outer plates. This design makes it easy to install and remove the chain using master link pliers, simplifying maintenance and replacement.
- Connecting Rivet Chains: These chains use a special connecting rivet to join the chain ends. This rivet is specifically designed to be used with a chain tool to press it into place, creating a secure connection.
Master link and connecting rivet chains illustrated for easy identification.
What Tools Do I Need to Determine Bike Chain Size?
To accurately determine and adjust your bike chain size, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Chain Tool: A chain tool, also known as a chain breaker, is essential for removing and installing chain rivets.
- Master Link Pliers: If your chain uses a master link, these pliers make it easier to engage and disengage the link without damaging it.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: To measure the length of the chain and ensure accurate sizing.
- Gloves: To keep your hands clean and protected during the process.
- Chain Wear Indicator: (Optional) This tool helps you determine if your chain is worn out and needs replacement.
- Bike Stand: (Optional) Makes the process easier by allowing you to work on the bike at a comfortable height.
2. Checking and Removing the Old Chain
How to Check if Your Current Chain Length Is Correct?
Before replacing your bike chain, it’s wise to verify the length of your existing chain. A properly sized chain enhances shifting efficiency and minimizes wear on drivetrain components. Here’s how to check:
- Largest Chainring and Largest Cog: Shift your bike into the largest chainring in the front and the largest cog in the rear. The chain should be long enough to make this shift with slight bends at each pulley of the rear derailleur.
- Smallest Chainring and Smallest Cog: Next, shift to the smallest chainring and smallest sprocket. There should be no slack in the chain, and the derailleur should not be pulled so far back that the chain contacts itself.
Proper chain tension demonstrated by slight bends at each pulley, ensuring smooth operation.
Correct derailleur position and chain tension illustrated for optimal performance and longevity.
How to Remove a Master Link Chain?
Removing a master link chain is a straightforward process that simplifies chain maintenance and replacement:
- Locate the Master Link: Identify the master link on your chain. It usually looks different from other links, with two outer plates held together by pins.
- Use Master Link Pliers: Insert the jaws of the master link pliers into the pins of the master link.
- Disengage the Link: Squeeze the pliers to disengage the link. The master link should come apart, allowing you to remove the chain.
- Remove the Chain: Once the master link is open, you can easily remove the chain from the bike.
Close-up of a master link, highlighting its unique design for easy removal and installation.
Using master link pliers to disengage the link, simplifying chain removal for maintenance.
How to Remove a Connecting Rivet Chain?
Removing a connecting rivet chain requires a chain tool to push out the rivet:
- Position the Chain Tool: Place the chain tool on the chain with the pin aligned with the rivet you want to remove.
- Drive the Rivet: Turn the handle of the chain tool to push the pin through the rivet. Ensure the chain tool pin drives straight into the chain rivet.
- Remove the Chain: Once the rivet is pushed out, you can remove the chain from the bike.
- Inspect the Chain: After removing the chain, inspect it for wear, damage, or stiff links. If the chain is worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.
Positioning the chain tool to make contact with the rivet, ready for removal.
Close-up of a chain tool, showing the pin driving straight and centered for effective rivet removal.
3. Sizing the New Chain to the Original Chain
How to Size a Bike Chain Using the Old Chain?
If your old chain had a proper length, you can use it as a reference to size your new chain accurately:
- Lay Chains Side by Side: Lay the old chain next to the new chain on a flat surface.
- Align the Chains: Ensure both chains are aligned, matching outer plates with outer plates or inner plates with inner plates.
- Insert Master Link (If Applicable): If the new chain uses a master link, insert it to get a true side-by-side comparison.
- Match Rivets: Carefully match the rivets on the old chain to the new chain. Keep in mind that old chains may have stretched due to wear.
- Adjust Length: If the new chain is longer, remove the extra links using a chain tool until it matches the length of the old chain.
Adding a master link to align the chains for an accurate length comparison.
Matching rivets between the old and new chains to determine the correct length, accounting for wear.
4. Largest Cog & Largest Chainring Method
How to Measure Chain Length Using the Largest Cog and Chainring?
When replacing drivetrain components or if the previous chain was incorrectly sized, you can use the largest cog and chainring method to determine the correct chain length.
- Shift to Largest Chainring and Smallest Cog: Shift the front derailleur over the largest chainring and the rear derailleur to the smallest cog. This moves the rear derailleur out of the way during the process.
- Wrap Chain Around Largest Rear Cog: Begin by wrapping the chain around the largest rear cog. If the new chain has one end with an outer plate, it should be routed toward the front chainring.
- Pass Chain Through Front Derailleur Cage: Pass the chain end through the front derailleur cage onto the largest front chainring and hold it at about the five o’clock position.
- Install Half of the Master Link (If Applicable): If the chain uses a master link, install half of the master link to account for the extra half-inch it provides.
- Pull Lower Section Snug: Pull the lower section of chain snug and engage it on the front chainring.
- Find Reference Rivet: Pay special attention that the chain is fully engaged on the largest rear cog for accurate sizing. Bypass the rear derailleur entirely for this step, as extra length will be added later. Find the closest rivet where the two chain ends could be joined, matching inner plates to outer plates. This is the reference rivet.
- Add Two Additional Rivets: From the reference rivet, count and add two additional rivets to determine the cutting point for your chain.
Passing the chain through the front derailleur for accurate sizing with the largest chainring.
Holding the chain at the five o’clock position on the largest chainring to ensure proper engagement.
Pulling the lower section of the chain snug for precise measurement and cutting.
Identifying the reference rivet where the inner plate joins to the outer plate for correct sizing.
Adding two rivets from the reference point to determine the exact cutting point for the chain.
5. Method for Drivetrains with Large Rear Cogs
How to Size a Chain for Drivetrains with 42T or Larger Rear Cogs?
For dedicated 1X systems with extra-wide range rear sprockets (42 teeth and larger), a longer chain is required compared to bikes with a narrower range.
- Route Chain Over Front Ring and Largest Rear Sprocket: Without passing through the rear derailleur, route the chain over the front ring and the largest rear sprocket.
- Determine Shortest Length: Determine the shortest length where a chain would connect inner and outer plates.
- Add Four Additional Rivets: From this rivet, count four additional rivets (two inches) to determine the position to shorten the chain.
Dedicated 1X shifting system illustrated, highlighting the need for a longer chain due to the wide range of rear sprockets.
Adding four rivets to the shortest length point to correctly size the chain for 1X drivetrains.
6. Exceptions & Considerations
What Are Some Chain Sizing Exceptions and Considerations?
When determining bike chain size, there are a few exceptions and considerations to keep in mind:
- Chain Guides: If your bike uses a chain guide, ensure the chain is routed through the system before determining chain length. The rest of the process remains the same.
- Rear Suspension: The distance between the rear cogs and front chainrings can change as the rear suspension compresses. To account for this, disconnect the shock and compress the linkage so that it is bottomed out. Then, measure the chain length as described above.
Routing the chain through the chain guide to accurately determine the chain length.
Disconnecting the shock to account for rear suspension compression during chain sizing.
Compressing the linkage to bottom out the rear suspension for precise chain length measurement.
7. Bike Chain FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Chains
- How often should I replace my bike chain?
- The lifespan of a bike chain depends on various factors, including riding conditions, maintenance, and the quality of the chain. Generally, it’s recommended to replace your chain every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Using a chain wear indicator can help you determine when it’s time for a replacement. According to research from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), in July 2025, chains that are regularly cleaned and lubricated last 20-30% longer.
- Can I use any chain tool to remove a connecting rivet?
- While most chain tools are designed to remove connecting rivets, it’s essential to use a tool that is compatible with your chain’s width and rivet size. Using the wrong tool can damage the chain or the tool itself.
- What happens if my bike chain is too long?
- If your bike chain is too long, it can cause poor shifting performance, chain slap, and increased wear on the drivetrain components. A chain that is too long may also rub against the front derailleur cage or chainstay.
- What happens if my bike chain is too short?
- If your bike chain is too short, it can prevent you from shifting into the largest chainring and cog combination, putting excessive strain on the rear derailleur. In extreme cases, a chain that is too short can damage the derailleur or even break.
- Can I reuse a master link?
- It’s generally not recommended to reuse a master link, as they can weaken over time and become more prone to failure. It’s best to use a new master link each time you install a new chain.
- How do I know if my chain is worn out?
- You can use a chain wear indicator tool to measure the amount of stretch in your chain. If the tool indicates that the chain has reached or exceeded the wear limit, it’s time to replace it.
- What is the difference between a 10-speed, 11-speed, and 12-speed chain?
- The main difference between these chains is their width. As the number of speeds increases, the chain becomes narrower to fit the tighter spacing of the cassette sprockets. It’s essential to use a chain that is specifically designed for your bike’s drivetrain.
- How do I maintain my bike chain?
- Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining your bike chain. Use a chain cleaner and brush to remove dirt and grime, then apply a high-quality chain lubricant. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Can I use a quick link on any chain?
- Quick links are designed to be compatible with specific chain types and speeds. Ensure you use a quick link that matches your chain’s specifications to ensure a secure and reliable connection.
- Where can I find reliable information about bike maintenance and biker culture?
- For comprehensive guides, community forums, and the latest trends in biker culture, visit usabikers.net.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of motorcycle maintenance and connect with a vibrant community of enthusiasts? Visit usabikers.net today to explore more articles, join our forums, and gear up for your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for detailed guides on bike care, the latest news in the biker community, or tips for planning your next ride, usabikers.net has everything you need to fuel your passion. Contact us at Address: 801 Sturgis Main St, Sturgis, SD 57785, United States. Phone: +1 (605) 347-2000. Website: usabikers.net.
