e-bike chain on regular bike
07-29-21, 08:02 PM
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e-bike chain on regular bike
When I went to my LBS to buy a chain, all the chains are for e-bikes. They said they work fine in regular bikes, just get the right speed chain. I have an 11-speed, so bought the 11-speed Shimano chain for e-bikes (CN-HG601-11). (Incidentally, chains have gotten more expensive since the pandemic started, and the e-bike chains are longer than regular chains.) I haven't installed it yet. Does anyone have any experience in using an e-bike chain on a regular non-e-bike?
07-29-21, 08:42 PM
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It'll work fine. They're all the same pitch and 3/32".
07-30-21, 08:29 AM
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07-30-21, 09:06 AM
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Looks to me the only difference is the finish. I'd have to ask our Shimano tech rep to see what he has to say.
07-30-21, 09:36 AM
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I’m guessing they are just a bit heavier/stronger than their normal equivalents.
07-30-21, 11:12 AM
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I'm gonna guess that e-bike chains are in fact stronger, but are intended to be used on those bikes with mid-drives. In any case, they should work fine for a non-motored bike.
07-30-21, 11:35 AM
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Shimano's write up on their US website doesn't mention anything about them being for e-bikes. In fact it's classed as a member of their Shimano 105 11 speed groupsets.
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...-HG601-11.html
The DuraAce chain I just bought a couple weeks ago was described by the vendor as being strong for e-bikes but that also isn't exclusive of bikes that aren't e-.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=78326
Edit: Note that they aren't in stock there anymore. When I ordered mine, there were quite a few showing in inventory at all their locations. Maybe I should have bought a couple more at the same time.
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...-HG601-11.html
The DuraAce chain I just bought a couple weeks ago was described by the vendor as being strong for e-bikes but that also isn't exclusive of bikes that aren't e-.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=78326
Edit: Note that they aren't in stock there anymore. When I ordered mine, there were quite a few showing in inventory at all their locations. Maybe I should have bought a couple more at the same time.
Last edited by Iride01; 07-30-21 at 01:13 PM.
07-30-21, 12:44 PM
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CN-HG601 is listed as e-bike drivetrain compatible. Its the same chain as the "normal" 105 11s chain. Im sure its perfectly fine for both human and motor powered rides.
Edit: sorry for the GIANT font!
