Mountain Bike Chains Explained | Learn all about mtb bike chains | SRAM and Shimano chain link

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  • Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
  • Will a 9 speed chain work on your 11 speed cassette?
    Can you share SRAM and Shimano chain links?
    In this video my good friend Jason Ziegler helps us all learn about bike chains.
    Huge thanks to my good friend Jason for helping me create this video. Please check out his bike shop at www.sussexbike.com/
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 309

  • @seofilipino
    @seofilipino 3 роки тому +57

    The fact that you truthfully admit you didnt know some stuff there the more I respected you.Its very hard to find people like you these days. Thank you so much for this very informative video.

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks so much!

    • @ericrollins4607
      @ericrollins4607 2 роки тому

      ​@@rgmtb Do you see any problem with using a Shimano 11 speed chain on a Shimano 12 speed chain RING? Inner plate dimension is the same, as far as I know, but someone mentioned the Shimano 12 speed chainring has special grooves that may cause the 11 speed to fall off. Any idea about this? I have an 11 speed drivetrain, but want to use a 12 speed crankset/chainring on it (switching square taper on 11 speed to a hollowtech ii).

  • @taneliharkonen2463
    @taneliharkonen2463 3 роки тому +11

    I think you got 1/2 and 1/8 inch mixed there. The og 1/2 x 1/8" chain is 1/8" wide and the link length is 1/2". You can see it with the naked eye which is longer. But otherwise great stuff!! :)

  • @jackadler5941
    @jackadler5941 4 роки тому +32

    I didn’t know chains were directional, only multi-links, that’s why I only run SRAM. More of these videos Gene.

    • @bikdav
      @bikdav 4 роки тому

      Same here.

    • @questplayes4099
      @questplayes4099 3 роки тому

      Sram is not directional right?

    • @silentfox8
      @silentfox8 3 роки тому

      Coming from bmx, I've seen tons of guys have half link chains on upside down and it feels and sounds horrible until I flip them over and its smooth and quiet

  • @brandonl5653
    @brandonl5653 Рік тому +4

    I just learned that my mtb is a 9 speed although it has 27 speed ratio(9x3: 3 chain rings and 9 on the rear hub’s cassette).
    Great video. Thank you 👍

  • @palangimiko
    @palangimiko 2 роки тому +7

    This was super helpful. I was searching all over the internet to find out about front chainring/cassette/chain compatibility and even emailing some manufacturers but like you said at the beginning, some things they won’t tell you. But this answered my question perfectly. Thanks!!

  • @nickbrown9895
    @nickbrown9895 Рік тому +2

    I watched 4 videos to find out why my chain was slipping they all told me to check for wear. Not one told me I had the wrong chain!
    This video taught me soo much. Excellent stuff guys. 😊

  • @RGCastro7
    @RGCastro7 4 роки тому +5

    Great video, Gene. Lots of useful information and great presentation, as always.
    Keep up the great work, man. You rock!

  • @himalayanweekender3295
    @himalayanweekender3295 3 роки тому +6

    This deserves way more views and likes. Awesome content. Thanks guys.

  • @Samuel-is8mk
    @Samuel-is8mk 3 роки тому +6

    “From 9-12 chain the inner width of the chain is the same”, thanks for the info!

    • @LilRedDog
      @LilRedDog 3 роки тому +1

      You missed the outside width....
      Do not f'up your cassette.

  • @BLINKGOLD311
    @BLINKGOLD311 2 роки тому +2

    One of the most helpful videos I’ve seen in a long time and I’ve been riding bikes for a long time! Thanks!

  • @cwsmith17
    @cwsmith17 4 роки тому +3

    Great video. Everyone who rides needs to see this

  • @mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes
    @mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes 3 роки тому +3

    I never knew that chains are directional as well 😱, thanks a lot guys for this piece of education really awesome.

  • @losertheteacher
    @losertheteacher 4 роки тому +4

    I finally understand. Thanks a lot. It was the most informative video on chains I could find

  • @srdjanbabic8304
    @srdjanbabic8304 2 роки тому

    G-R-E-A-T VIDEO!!! I've definitely learned a lot! All I knew is that chains are different for different cassettes, but I never knew that there are so much nuances and tiny details that should be taken care of!

  • @davidnguyen1305
    @davidnguyen1305 4 роки тому +1

    I had no idea. Great in-depth video!

  • @DanDan-fu6sd
    @DanDan-fu6sd 4 місяці тому

    I've been riding for for many many years and I never new this basic info. Thanks a lot boys.

  • @joestella9181
    @joestella9181 4 роки тому +21

    Great video, very informative. Directional chains??? Had no idea. Keep up the good work Gene and Jason 👍

  • @Oiii615
    @Oiii615 3 роки тому

    This video upload is an enlightenment. Didn't know much about chain until it gave me problem. Thanking you.

  • @mtbboy1993
    @mtbboy1993 4 роки тому +3

    Great vid, not seen a vid explaining all of this before. Great you made a video explaining all of this. good to have it all in one video.
    I knew all of this, but I don't remember where I got all of my knowledge anymore.

  • @anthonyquinones1465
    @anthonyquinones1465 3 роки тому +1

    Great video, much easier than how I figured it all out putting mountain bike cranks on bmx bikes in 1985 and putting single gear on ten speeds

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  3 роки тому

      HAHAHAHA! So you've been around the block a few times and done the dirty work. It's not easy to keep up with all this stuff and things change too often!

  • @tilleylepew5944
    @tilleylepew5944 2 роки тому +1

    I feel all the wiser for the time invested. Thanks !

  • @mikeosinski50
    @mikeosinski50 4 роки тому +1

    I didn't know the chain was directional. Wow I learned so much thanks 👍👍👍

  • @biamarconchi
    @biamarconchi 3 роки тому

    this the bike tech on youtube that I've learned the most. Tks

  • @JamesBSweet
    @JamesBSweet 4 роки тому

    Great video!! I learned new info and understand better what I "knew" before

  • @davejoseph5615
    @davejoseph5615 9 місяців тому +2

    A little confusion there on what is 1/8th inch. The center-to-center pin distance (chain pitch) is 1/2 inch (12.7mm) for all standard (non-Campagnolo) bicycle chains and I think the inner width starts out at 3/32 inch for 6/7/8 speed. Otherwise good comparison of chains. Annoyingly Shimano quick-links are rated as single-use items.

  • @butchcatajoy5049
    @butchcatajoy5049 3 роки тому +6

    When in doubt, advertise. Will keep that in mind.

  • @freerangemtb
    @freerangemtb 4 роки тому

    I did not know about the directionality (I don't think), but I did know about the shape of the links and how they were engineered to do better with shifting. I only learned about this in the last couple of years.
    This is exceptional information to know, though! I am the head coach for a small NICA team out here in Florida and this is helpful for team bike maintenance. Thanks for the video!
    Stay upright and keep the rubber side down.
    -Brian

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  4 роки тому +1

      I'm so glad this video helped! Jason does a wonderful job explaining bike tech and really hit it out of the park with this one! Keep an eye on the channel because I have a bike review coming up on a HT that a lot of the NICA coaches liked when I showed it to them :-)

  • @StanZanti
    @StanZanti 4 роки тому +1

    Great video. Thanks for doing it.

  • @leonidjhonecuacion2312
    @leonidjhonecuacion2312 2 роки тому

    Thank you guys. Great video. Very useful and educational. Have a great day

  • @radkin9747
    @radkin9747 Рік тому +1

    Excellent video! Loved the information and presentation

  • @richlijacanacua
    @richlijacanacua 9 місяців тому

    Excellent discussions!

  • @krehlcook406
    @krehlcook406 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for great video!

  • @ruddyyoung8704
    @ruddyyoung8704 Місяць тому

    Thanks for teaching me so much I didn't know about bicycle chains

  • @DavosPessos
    @DavosPessos 2 роки тому +2

    I knew that chains were directional tbh I build my own bikes so that was how I knew, some has arrows and also the master link may themselves may have arrows them.

  • @WolfAs243
    @WolfAs243 4 місяці тому +1

    This video deserves more views...

  • @johndavis3938
    @johndavis3938 4 роки тому +1

    Great info! One thing that I think you missed was explaining why you're only supposed to used a quick link once. I know most manufactures say that once you take the chain apart you're supposed to get a new quick link. I've never really followed this rule, that's why I'd like it explained better.

    • @cwsmith17
      @cwsmith17 4 роки тому +3

      Just replace the link when you replace the chain. I have removed the chain many times to service my derailleur and deep-clean the chain. The links are going to wear the same as the roller bearings on the riveted section of the chain. The link is less strong because it is not riveted, but still has plenty of strength to work until the end of the chains life.

  • @mikeflower3308
    @mikeflower3308 Рік тому

    As returned back cyclist fromm 9 speed this was informative thanks

  • @johnthorne9077
    @johnthorne9077 2 роки тому +1

    Very very helpful! Thank you nice job.

  • @JMoney-ne3to
    @JMoney-ne3to Рік тому

    Great video guys.

  • @desmond5593
    @desmond5593 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much for this informative video. Happy riding

  • @namdarbolour9890
    @namdarbolour9890 3 роки тому +4

    At 1:00, the pitch of a chain is 1/2", not 1/8"! You musta been nervous, ha ha!

    • @danv9431
      @danv9431 3 роки тому +1

      That got me also, had to google it: bicycle chain pitch is exactly 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). This goes for all the bicycle chains, regardless of the speed number.

  • @nohandle257
    @nohandle257 3 роки тому +2

    Boy, did I need to know this. Thank you so much. Appreciated the mention of stronger ebike chains. Could have mentioned ebike cassettes along with that. You want a full steel cassette with strong ebike motors.

    • @igorioko
      @igorioko 3 роки тому

      Ebike chains are not stronger. It it's just commercial thing

    • @nohandle257
      @nohandle257 3 роки тому

      @@igorioko I was not clear. I was speaking of a 9 speed chain being thicker and stronger than an 11 or 12 speed chain.

    • @igorioko
      @igorioko 3 роки тому

      I was thinking the same, until i got experience and this: zerofrictioncycling.com.au/chaintesting/

  • @BrianVaughn
    @BrianVaughn 4 роки тому +1

    The tool with three prongs looks cool. Yeah, I knew about Shimano chains.

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  4 роки тому +1

      I honestly can say that I didn't know that about the chains. I know that SRAM chains need to be aligned with the cassette or they don't fit on the teeth well but had no idea about the Shimano directional chains. I enjoyed making this video and learned a lot!

  • @fra93ilgrande
    @fra93ilgrande 6 місяців тому

    I put a 12 speed chain on a 11 speed transmission of my friend's bike LOL works perfectly fine, 0 problems

  • @GEORGEEEJ
    @GEORGEEEJ 3 роки тому

    Excellent and informative. Thank you so much.

  • @southburlingtonplanetfitne7729

    thanks for that info. like Dean said in the video, a lot of info I didn't know. i noticed the difference, generally. but, i never took the time to put it all together.

  • @johnvmtb5440
    @johnvmtb5440 3 роки тому +1

    Well explain how to pick a chain and characteristics of each chain brand. Thank you for sharing. 👍👍🚵🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♂️

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  3 роки тому

      Thanks for watching!

  • @sergiogomezphotography
    @sergiogomezphotography 3 роки тому

    Awesome video, thank you

  • @gezfarnsworth1007
    @gezfarnsworth1007 3 роки тому

    Great Video - so informative and well presented. Chain snapped on me yesterday and didn’t have any links with me ......6 km walk over the hills in the dark. Will be prepared next time, and will get a matching brand chain to my driver train.

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  3 роки тому

      That sucks man! Well I'm glad this video helped you and now you can put together a small kit to keep in your bag just incase.

  • @rickb6029
    @rickb6029 3 роки тому +6

    the chain pitch is always 1/2", not 1/8"

  • @CORYJOHNM
    @CORYJOHNM 2 роки тому

    Didn't know that direction thing, inner or outer. Good video. Thanks.

  • @huttone
    @huttone 3 роки тому

    Great Info! Thanks!!

  • @MrMegamonkey007
    @MrMegamonkey007 3 роки тому

    Thank you 🙏 I learn something new 🧐 .

  • @iancraig2507
    @iancraig2507 3 роки тому

    Also didn’t know about direction. Thanks so much.

    • @pind32
      @pind32 3 роки тому

      As far as i know only Shimano chains are directional

  • @mikieson
    @mikieson 4 роки тому +1

    Good info thanks

  • @enriquegomezmolina
    @enriquegomezmolina 4 роки тому +4

    Great video. Yes, I knew that the chains have direction. I learned from error, my system is 1 x 12 Sram and knowing that it had direction I turned it upside down. I had to do it again and put it well. In the sram chains the quick link has a directional arrow indicating the direction to which it should turn, "forward".

  • @techbug5661
    @techbug5661 Рік тому

    You guys are awesome 👌

  • @seahyongsen5670
    @seahyongsen5670 3 роки тому

    Wow! Learnt something informative into chains.

  • @olegpetelevitch4443
    @olegpetelevitch4443 4 роки тому

    Yes !

  • @jelespuru
    @jelespuru 3 роки тому +1

    great video. Thank you.

  • @tecatedon9262
    @tecatedon9262 3 роки тому +2

    Just for information, They do make 3/32 single speed freewheels for BMX(White Industries & Profile)and most BMX sprockets/chainrings can use a 3/32 chain. Cheers

  • @HobbiesInterests
    @HobbiesInterests 4 роки тому

    i learned a few things today from this video.... chain direction of course...the other one >> "yesterYEAR".

  • @davidlocklear8738
    @davidlocklear8738 Рік тому

    I did not know that chains was directional. Thanks for the knowledge.

  • @davidm5003
    @davidm5003 4 роки тому +7

    I heard some people prefer a 9speed chain on a 10speed cassette for the thicker links giving more strength. Is there any drawbacks for overall durability ?

  • @kochumvk
    @kochumvk 3 роки тому

    Great Video.

  • @augustindebie2397
    @augustindebie2397 3 роки тому +3

    It's written in the Shimano papers that it's directional. First pic, very big, can't miss it ....... One of the first things I learned as a home mechanic.

  • @randomthoughts8346
    @randomthoughts8346 3 роки тому +1

    thanks my question answered
    chain 6-7-8

  • @roncooke2188
    @roncooke2188 4 роки тому +1

    I know now great!

  • @koyotekola6916
    @koyotekola6916 11 місяців тому

    I have a Park CC-4 chain measure tool. I"ll call it stretch, because the tool will either fall through or not, indicating stretch. Assuming this is correct, what I believe you're saying is that the distance from link to link is the same for a 10 speed vs. 11 speed. Therefore, the tool is good for both. I hope I am correct as I maintain my 10 speed and wife 11 speed bikes.

  • @JeanFrancoisDesrosiers
    @JeanFrancoisDesrosiers 3 роки тому

    Good info. Did not know.

  • @kotawtharmtbmogok8433
    @kotawtharmtbmogok8433 2 роки тому

    Precious for me to know about chain thankful

  • @Dadridesbikes
    @Dadridesbikes 3 роки тому +3

    Helpful vid! Thanks! Hey, can I run a KMC chain on a Shimano group?

  • @mtbboy1993
    @mtbboy1993 4 роки тому

    I use KMC X1 SL Silver, I did not have long enough chain I had to cut one add 7 links, but I will ave to buy a 22 link chain.

  • @suntzuwarsword1964
    @suntzuwarsword1964 8 місяців тому

    Thank you

  • @josephselim797
    @josephselim797 4 роки тому

    great. thanks

  • @ismulazam305
    @ismulazam305 3 роки тому +1

    good info

  • @GleN95o
    @GleN95o Рік тому

    I didn’t know chains were directional either I’ve only been mountain biking for a couple months though, great tip!

  • @yankeepalu8627
    @yankeepalu8627 2 роки тому

    Just subscribed because of this video great job understanding chains.

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  2 роки тому

      Awesome, thank you!

  • @andrewd.2084
    @andrewd.2084 3 роки тому +1

    Now I know.. thanks..👍

  • @randyrecto8367
    @randyrecto8367 Рік тому

    Thank you!!!!!

  • @briantruck2284
    @briantruck2284 3 роки тому

    KMC X8.99/X8 Bicycle Chain (1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Silver fits perfect on my Schwinn road

  • @Van-du8uz
    @Van-du8uz 4 роки тому

    Great video learned bunch from it. I have a 2006-2008 (not sure on the year) Trek Fuel EX5 17.5 inch bike that has a Sram SX5 Sifters front Shimano derailer and Sram SX in the back. 9 speed cassette it the back 3 in the front. I need to replace the chain and not sure which one to get. What's the best chain to get for it? appreciate the help

  • @jasonmorris858
    @jasonmorris858 3 роки тому +1

    In my experience as a Melbourne bicycle courier over 4 winters 3 summers where trams drop sand on brakes you get sand on your drivetrain you don't want an "entry level" drivetrain you want Shimano XT and lube at the end of every wet day using a Ritchey kerosene bath chain cleaner on the weekend, you don't want to customize too much stick to factory equipment as say Shimano have the best patents.

  • @Shawnxsather
    @Shawnxsather 2 місяці тому

    I figured out I was old when I was browsing Amazon for a new chain for my 9 speed downhill bike. Found all these cool KMC DLC chains but only in 10 speed. No cool coatings or anything special for 9 speed. Only found the chain, I’m already using

  • @bosatsu76
    @bosatsu76 2 роки тому +3

    Sorry... But the barrel to barrel distance is NOT 1/8th inch... It's more like 1/2...

  • @benbiker9381
    @benbiker9381 2 роки тому +1

    i'm a bike mechanik and i see all the time shimano chains installed wrong but in a pinch it works but the cassett gets damage in a long term use.

  • @petercook7502
    @petercook7502 Рік тому

    On the direction of Shimano chains.. yes I knew they were directional because it tells you this in Shimanos fitting instructions!

  • @freevideos051
    @freevideos051 3 роки тому

    Good info

  • @osanoregxh
    @osanoregxh 3 роки тому +5

    Never knew chains has direction Hehehe

  • @onecuriouscookie7615
    @onecuriouscookie7615 4 роки тому

    Na I didn't know that, thansk for the heads up

  • @ramonskepweng333
    @ramonskepweng333 4 роки тому +3

    Can you used 11 speed dereilleur on 10 speed cassette

  • @artisticgirl3892
    @artisticgirl3892 3 роки тому

    Great video! Very informative! Learned a lot. I wanted to ask though if a Shimano m6100 chain (12speed) will work with SRAM NX chainring?

    • @rgmtb
      @rgmtb  3 роки тому +1

      I'm a little hesitant to recommend that. NX is 10 speed and you are looking to put a 12 speed (tighter spacing) chain on it. Look, you can "make" a lot of things work but you need to ask yourself if it's really a good idea.

  • @danielp559
    @danielp559 5 місяців тому

    Thanks..

  • @xnoreq
    @xnoreq 2 роки тому +2

    If the inside width is identical for 10/11/12 speed Shimano (they call it HG-X), then wouldn't it theoretically work to use a HG-X10 speed 2x/3x crankset with a HG-X11 speed chain?
    Shimano of course does not say in their compatibility documents that these are compatible, and maybe shifting in the front will not be as smooth, but it should work, right?

  • @kingchakazulu7762
    @kingchakazulu7762 3 роки тому +2

    So would a 10 speed chain run more smooth on a 9 speed since its lighter more narrow?

  • @anthonyvee
    @anthonyvee 3 роки тому

    Hi there and thank you for the informative lesson. I have an old, cheap, "mountain?" bike, and I'd like to replace my chain and possibly the rear freewheel cassette which jumps cogs once in a blue moon to another the same type and gear #. My bike has two disks in the front Crank and 6 gears In the back. Thus it says on it, 12 speed bike. so when above you're talking about 5,6,7,8-12 and so on gears, that make the difference in the width of the chain, are you talking total speeds, meaning front and back OR these new fancy really multigear cassettes in the back only? thank you for your time.

  • @joshualapurga3431
    @joshualapurga3431 Рік тому

    I'm watching this because I got my bike converted to ebike. And I'm thinking of mix matching the gear-set like putting 9 speed RD (can cover 50t cassette) into 8 speed cassette (11-46T) while using 8speed chain because I think the thicker the chain the better. I'm just looking for someone who already did this 😅

  • @hoppy1970
    @hoppy1970 3 роки тому +2

    He meant to say 1/2" pitch.

  • @vicbouchard8741
    @vicbouchard8741 2 роки тому +1

    no i did not know about printing side vs non print side! i noticed the print on some chains but did not know the difference.

  • @davidpauli8494
    @davidpauli8494 3 роки тому

    Does a chain that is rated for 6/7/8 speed need to have links removed before installation to match your gearing? I have never changed a chain and didnt know if they work right out the box if I bought the correct chain for my system.