Yep. I’ve installed them backwards a few times way back before I knew the difference. Also, my very first ride to work many years ago, I put my Lycra shorts on inside out so that the red pad was contacting the saddle until my neighbor, an avid distance roadie pointed that out as we rode to work…also, he pointed out to me that my Conti tires were also unidirectional and that I mounted them backwards. That was at about mile 80 on my first century. Three months riding with him really brought me up to speed 😂
@@insightbike yes I did, I could only shift 2 gears at a time (both up and down), it was getting on my neeves. Good thing I have a multitool with quick-link opening function.
Thanks. I got it now, but I was struggling a bit with this. So, there are four possible orientations, of which two are correct. Both orientations with the text facing you are correct (but with one of them the text will be upside down, and the direction of movement will be reversed).
Glad you got it. As long as the chain lettering is facing you (the installer) you’re in good shape. These chains shift extremely well because they’re directional. Happy trails.
@@insightbike Doesn't that make it "bidirectional" then? I don't know a more descriptive term for what you mean, maybe "one-sided"? My question was to the actual directionality, that is, can you reverse the direction of rotation. Some chains have an arrow embossed pointing in the direction it needs to rotate (in addition to the lettering needing to face out from the bike). I don't see any arrows on my new new HG701 11 speed, yet I'm chasing a sound like the the chain not matching well with an FSA crankset.
That is correct, unless things have changed. But only shimano's chains are like this. Running something other than a Shimano chain on 10, 11, 12 speed will have diminished performance. Thanks for checking out the video.
10-speed road chains of the 5700-6700-7900 generation were directional for several years. Not so for MTB. Since the introduction of 11-speed, the10-speed chains were redesigned and are no longer directional. If in doubt, read the instructions that come inside the box.
Nope. In general, if the chain is only printed on one side with model/series info, then it is directional. With 7/8/9 speed chains, this wasn’t a feature.
you are 100% WRONG. read the instruction on the Shimano 12 speed. the directional arrow on the master link will tell you how to install the chain. the arrow points to front of bike. are you a self proclaimed bike mechanic. here in Europe we go to school and get certified as bike mechanic. again you are 100 wrong on this.
The arrow will face the rear when it’s on the bottom and face the front when on top. Another way to think about it is the arrow points to direction of travel when pedalling.
Yep. I’ve installed them backwards a few times way back before I knew the difference. Also, my very first ride to work many years ago, I put my Lycra shorts on inside out so that the red pad was contacting the saddle until my neighbor, an avid distance roadie pointed that out as we rode to work…also, he pointed out to me that my Conti tires were also unidirectional and that I mounted them backwards. That was at about mile 80 on my first century. Three months riding with him really brought me up to speed 😂
You have a great riding partner there.
Who else is watching this on the trail side?
(and typing with greasy fingers due to having to switch side)
I hope you didn't have to switch it mid-ride!
@@insightbike yes I did, I could only shift 2 gears at a time (both up and down), it was getting on my neeves. Good thing I have a multitool with quick-link opening function.
Thank you!
Thanks. I got it now, but I was struggling a bit with this. So, there are four possible orientations, of which two are correct. Both orientations with the text facing you are correct (but with one of them the text will be upside down, and the direction of movement will be reversed).
Glad you got it. As long as the chain lettering is facing you (the installer) you’re in good shape. These chains shift extremely well because they’re directional. Happy trails.
@@insightbike Doesn't that make it "bidirectional" then?
I don't know a more descriptive term for what you mean, maybe "one-sided"?
My question was to the actual directionality, that is, can you reverse the direction of rotation. Some chains have an arrow embossed pointing in the direction it needs to rotate (in addition to the lettering needing to face out from the bike).
I don't see any arrows on my new new HG701 11 speed, yet I'm chasing a sound like the the chain not matching well with an FSA crankset.
Thanks for this info. So directional chains start at 10S? And 9S and below aren't?
That is correct, unless things have changed. But only shimano's chains are like this. Running something other than a Shimano chain on 10, 11, 12 speed will have diminished performance. Thanks for checking out the video.
10-speed road chains of the 5700-6700-7900 generation were directional for several years. Not so for MTB. Since the introduction of 11-speed, the10-speed chains were redesigned and are no longer directional. If in doubt, read the instructions that come inside the box.
So which direction goes first??? You just showed us inside vs outside but not which direction
He states this incorrectly which leads to your confusion. The chain ISNT directional. There is an inside and an outside.
Title misleading : Some shimano chains are directional !
This is true. 9 speed and lower are multi-directional.
👍
SRAM chains are not, then?
7 speed HG chains are not directional?
Nope. In general, if the chain is only printed on one side with model/series info, then it is directional. With 7/8/9 speed chains, this wasn’t a feature.
0:41 there’s literally a manual picture from the chain plastic wrap that says exactly that 😂
yep. But that's not stopping folks from rebeling.
Shimano 8speed's are no directional
Also be weary of counterfeit Shimano chains from Amazon and others
you are 100% WRONG. read the instruction on the Shimano 12 speed. the directional arrow on the master link will tell you how to install the chain. the arrow points to front of bike. are you a self proclaimed bike mechanic. here in Europe we go to school and get certified as bike mechanic. again you are 100 wrong on this.
The arrow will face the rear when it’s on the bottom and face the front when on top. Another way to think about it is the arrow points to direction of travel when pedalling.