Help - Choosing a bike chain
08-31-21, 01:24 PM
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Help - Choosing a bike chain
I have a Giant Escape 2 2019. I want to get a chain to keep as a spare.
What is the criteria of choosing a chain? Compatibility/Size/lenght/etc.. ELI5
Thank you
What is the criteria of choosing a chain? Compatibility/Size/lenght/etc.. ELI5
Thank you
08-31-21, 01:36 PM
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Looking at a YouTube video on the Giant Escape 2 disc right now...Shimano 3x8. Okay. You'll want an 8-speed chain.
SRAM PC-830 with quick link. $9.00 right now at Jenson USA's web site. You'll need a chain breaker tool after you decide where to remove the spare links on the new chain by having compared it to the old chain that you've removed.
SRAM PC-830 with quick link. $9.00 right now at Jenson USA's web site. You'll need a chain breaker tool after you decide where to remove the spare links on the new chain by having compared it to the old chain that you've removed.
08-31-21, 02:30 PM
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Escape 2 (2019) | Men City & Hybrid bike | Giant Bicycles United States (giant-bicycles.com)
08-31-21, 03:55 PM
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I like chains with master links to close them. I carry the cut-off links from sizing the chain along with a couple of master links and a Park CT-22 mini chain tool in my repair kit.
09-02-21, 09:23 AM
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You need an 8 speed chain. I also vote for SRAM because I like their quick links. I use SRAM chains on everything.
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09-06-21, 05:49 PM
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According to the bike specs, the chain is the KMC Z7, but i found out that the Z7 is a 7 speed chain, and I have 8.
how is this possible?
how is this possible?
09-06-21, 06:45 PM
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Z7 is designed for 6/7/8 speed chains so perfectly normal. If you do a search for Z7 you get slightly different answers on the net for compatible speeds but many have used the Z7 for 8 speed.
Last edited by Crankycrank; 09-06-21 at 06:51 PM.
09-07-21, 08:09 AM
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Make sure the chain you buy has at least as many links as the current chain. I often shop for bargains, and have seen some good prices on chains with fewer links than most new chains. Great if they're long enough, but with a 3x8 you need a longish chain, and could get burned on a bargain chain.
09-07-21, 09:40 AM
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8, 7, 6 speed chains that KMC sells are all 1/2 x 3/32. I thought KMC use to lump those speeds all together. You'll be fine with a 7 speed chain on your 8 speed bike.
09-08-21, 08:12 AM
#10
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Nobody asked this question: Why do you think you need a spare chain? I replace my chains when needed but I just buy one. Since you now know the chain is a KMC Z7, just buy a master link that fits if you want to have an emergency fix. That'll be unlikely. I know people have broken chains on rides but it has never happened to me in my 50 years of riding.
