What is a good chain for my Hybrid Bike
07-24-18, 01:26 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 122
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is a good chain for my Hybrid Bike
I have a Trek Multitrek 7200 (I believe 2004-2005). It's an 8 speed rear with a Rear Shimano Alivio Derailleur and a front Shimano C203 (48/38/28). The rear cassette had been changed to a Shimano Altus CS-HG31 8 speed Megarange sprocket.
The bike apparently originally came with a Shimano IG-51 3/32" 114 links
I use this primarily for road use with some gravel/dirt while transitioning from sidewalk to road etc...
I see a bunch of KMC chains but there are so many I'm not sure? Also I notice the chains have more links than I need (i.e. 116 links etc) can I just cut away the extra links? Based on the components I mentioned could my link count increase/decrease?
Thanks
The bike apparently originally came with a Shimano IG-51 3/32" 114 links
I use this primarily for road use with some gravel/dirt while transitioning from sidewalk to road etc...
I see a bunch of KMC chains but there are so many I'm not sure? Also I notice the chains have more links than I need (i.e. 116 links etc) can I just cut away the extra links? Based on the components I mentioned could my link count increase/decrease?
Thanks
07-24-18, 01:33 PM
#2
Nigel
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 2,991
Bikes: 1980s and 1990s steel: CyclePro, Nishiki, Schwinn, SR, Trek........
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 384 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
First read this: https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...-length-sizing
I always use the LARGEST COG & LARGEST CHAINRING METHOD for sizing my chain.
For my 8 speed and fewer derailleur equipped bikes, I use KMC X8.93 chains, and X9.93 for my 9 speed.
As far as anyone GUESSING what length chain you need, why do you want to risk destroying your rear derailleur and your rear wheel? If a chain is too short, that can easily happen.
Chains and cassettes are maintenance items, they need to be periodically replaced. The Park Tool site and others explain measuring chain wear (length increase). If you put a new chain on, and it skips, the cassette most likely needs replacing - immediately so that you don't damage the new chain.
I always use the LARGEST COG & LARGEST CHAINRING METHOD for sizing my chain.
For my 8 speed and fewer derailleur equipped bikes, I use KMC X8.93 chains, and X9.93 for my 9 speed.
As far as anyone GUESSING what length chain you need, why do you want to risk destroying your rear derailleur and your rear wheel? If a chain is too short, that can easily happen.
Chains and cassettes are maintenance items, they need to be periodically replaced. The Park Tool site and others explain measuring chain wear (length increase). If you put a new chain on, and it skips, the cassette most likely needs replacing - immediately so that you don't damage the new chain.
