Bicycle Chains | Chain Tools

Bicycle Chains

At first glance, a bicycle chain might seem like a simple, unassuming part of a bike. However, ensuring a smooth ride requires choosing a quality chain that best suits your bike type.
 

Bike Category

Mountain/City/Touring - Mountain bike chains are designed for heavier loads and shifting in mountainous areas. They are constructed to shift more easily under strain into higher gears, often necessary for sudden inclines. Each chain is designed for a bike with a specific number of gears. Before buying, note the number of gears on your bike cassette. You can simply count the stars on the cassette.

Road - Road bike chains are designed for fast riding on paved paths, hence they might be narrower and lighter than other chain types.

BMX - BMX bike chains are robust and durable, designed for the extreme conditions and stunts often associated with BMX riding.

Each chain is intended for a bike with a specific number of gears. Pay attention to the number of gears on your bike's cassette before purchasing. Simply count the number of stars in the cassette.

Accessories - These are additional parts or equipment used for chain maintenance, management, or installation.

• Connectors: Chain linking is crucial for connecting chain segments or repairing a broken chain. These components are essential for smooth and efficient chain function.
• Installation Tools: This category includes everything necessary for chain maintenance and repair. Bicycle chain tools, like breakers or measuring devices, are vital for ensuring chain longevity and optimal function. They assist with various tasks, from connecting chain links to determining wear level.
• Cleaning Agents: These are specialized substances or devices for removing dirt, sand, and other contaminants from the chain. They often include chemicals that help separate grease and grime from the chain's surface, or brushes designed for various chains. Regular chain cleaning enhances bike performance and ensures a longer service period for the chain.
• Lubricants: Lubrication is a key aspect of chain maintenance. Proper bike chain lubrication reduces friction among the chain links and protects against premature wear. Using the right lubricants can reduce chain noise, improve gear shifting smoothness, and ensure optimal chain performance.
• Tensioners/Chain Guides: These mechanisms ensure the chain stays in the correct position throughout your ride. They are particularly useful for bikes used in extreme conditions, like mountain biking, as they prevent the chain from slipping off the sprockets.

Manufacturers

• Barbieri (Italy) - Known for innovation and convenience, Barbieri's significant contribution to the cycling world is their bicycle chain cleaning systems. These products ease the maintenance process and extend the lifespan of bike chains, highlighting the company's commitment to practical solutions.

• Campagnolo (Italy) - Renowned for high-quality gear shifting systems and other bicycle components, Campagnolo combines Italian design and engineering excellence. Their expertise ensures reliable and efficient bike chains and accessories, enhancing the cycling experience.

• CeramicSpeed (Denmark) - CeramicSpeed focuses on performance enhancement with their low-friction bearings and chains, favored among professional athletes. Their products offer improved ride efficiency due to reduced resistance and increased component lifespan.

• KMC (Netherlands) - As one of the largest chain manufacturers, KMC provides a diverse range of products suitable for various bike types and conditions. They are esteemed for the durability, strength, and longevity of their chains.

• M-Wave (Germany) - Offering economical yet quality accessories, M-Wave emphasizes practicality and affordability. Their products for bike chains and other components are designed to facilitate everyday cyclists' lives.

• Shimano (Japan) - An industry leader known for consistent quality and innovation, Shimano's chains and gear systems are respected for their reliability, durability, and high-tech integration.

• SRAM (USA) - A powerhouse of innovation, SRAM frequently introduces transformative technologies in bike chains and gear shifting markets. Their adaptable and flexible approach caters to a wide range of users, from commuters to professional racers.

• Super B (Taiwan) - Specializing in tools and equipment for bike maintenance, Super B is an essential part of any cyclist or mechanic's kit. Their tools simplify repair and maintenance tasks, allowing for easier and more effective bike chain care.

• Voxom (Germany) - Voxom offers reliable and sturdy accessories at affordable prices, aiming to fill a market niche where consumers seek durability and reliability without compromising their budget.

Each of these companies plays a crucial role in advancing bike chain technology and related products, reflecting user needs and the latest technological advancements. They have each carved their unique space in the market, contributing to the broader cycling community and industry.

Connection Type

• MissingLink (Quick Link): This is a specific type of bike chain connector that allows for the quick and simple linking or unlinking of a bicycle chain without the need for specialized tools. The term "MissingLink" or "Quick Link" refers to this type of fast connector. It's particularly convenient during chain maintenance or replacement because it doesn't require any additional tools. Cyclists can easily remove the chain for cleaning or replace it if it's damaged, all by hand with the quick release of the link.

• Pin (Riveted Link): This is the traditional method of connecting bike chain links, where a special pin or rivet is pushed through the links to join two sections of the chain. Typically, inserting or removing this pin requires specialized tools. This method is usually more permanent and secure, as the pin is often designed to deform slightly when installed, preventing it from slipping out. However, the process is more laborious and less convenient than using a quick link, as it requires a chain tool to push the pin in and out, and more precision is needed to ensure the pin is correctly placed and the chain remains strong.

Each method has its advantages, with the MissingLink offering convenience and ease of use, especially for cyclists on the go or those who regularly maintain their chains. In contrast, the traditional pin method provides a robust and time-tested connection but requires more effort and tools to manipulate.

Shifting System

This filter allows you to select a chain based on the number of rear gears on your bicycle. When you're looking to buy a new chain for your bike, it's important to know how many gears are on your bike's rear cassette. This determines which chain will be compatible with your bicycle. For instance, if your bike has 10 gears at the back, you should look for a chain that is designed for "10-speed" systems. "Single speed" refers to chains that are suited for bikes with only one gear sprocket at the rear.

So, before purchasing a chain, it is recommended to check how many gears are on your bike's rear cassette and choose the appropriate option. This ensures that you'll have the right chain that fits properly with your gears, providing smoother shifting and longer life for your equipment.

Number of Links

The filter indicates the number of links in a chain. When you plan to purchase a new chain, it's crucial to consider the number of links in your old chain. This will ensure that the new chain will function correctly.


What if the model you want is not currently available in the shop?

In such a situation, given the variety of offerings and models, not all models are kept in physical stores, nor even in the manufacturer's warehouses. Items available in the store can be purchased immediately. Those housed in the manufacturer's warehouses can be ordered, but you will have to wait at least a week for the item to arrive in Lithuania.

If the item is sold out, it doesn’t mean you have to give up, compromise, and purchase another, less suitable item. Simply reach out to the salespeople, who will explain when the stock will be replenished or when a shipment of goods will arrive in Lithuania.