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Yes, as chains use a .5-inch standard measurement for the space between rivets, any chain will indeed fit any standard socket. That\u2019s no guarantee that it\u2019s going to work with your bike<\/a>, however, so this is something that you\u2019ll want to keep in mind.<\/p>\n There are simply too many chains out there and bike designs to guarantee 100% compatibility.<\/p>\n Yes, you should likely be able to use it, provided that it is a 7.1 mm wide chain for an 8-speed. If this is the case, then it has \u2018backward compatibility\u2019 as far as the speeds are concerned. Thus, that 8-speed chain will also be able to fit a 7, 6, and 5-speed.<\/p>\n For instance, this would interchangeable on Campagnolo and Shimano bikes, as they employ the same type of chain, but keep in mind that there is no 100% guarantee on this \u2013 with a very obscure model bike there is still going to be a chance of incompatibility.<\/p>\n You can always check with the vendor, however, as they might have a compatibility list already compiled for you so that you\u2019ll know in advance if it\u2019s going to work.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to take a closer look at the sprockets on your bike. On the rear of the bicycle, you\u2019re going to find that your bike is made with anywhere from 5 up to 12 sprockets.<\/p>\n This is an important consideration, as the higher, the sprocket count is, the less spacing there is going to be with the cogs to keep the design as thin and streamlined as possible, while also reinforcing the integrity of the cog array.<\/p>\n Write this down and bring the information with you when you go to purchase your new chain, along with the make and model of your bike, and you should have all that you need to purchase the correct chain for your bike.<\/p>\n You\u2019re going to need a set of calipers, as this is going to help you to determine the pitch and chain size for your bike. From center to center, where the teeth will be meeting the rollers, you\u2019ll want to employ your calipers to measure the space. This gives you the pitch.<\/p>\n Next, use the calipers to determine the amount of space between the teeth on your sprocket. With the pitch and the chain size measured, you should be able to use those measurements to purchase the correct chain.<\/p>\n That\u2019s going to depend on how fancy your bike is. High-performance models, for instance, might have chains that will cost you anywhere from $25 up to $60. By contrast, \u2018entry-level\u2019 bikes that are less complicated in their performance features might cost you as little as $25 for a replacement chain.<\/p>\n The good news with the more expensive chains is that they tend to be of higher quality, so they will last considerably longer than those entry-level chains.<\/p>\n On average, most bike chains (provided that you are taking care of them) are going to last for an estimated 2000-3000 miles. Some higher-end chains will promise more mileage, but 2000 \u2013 3000 miles is what you should generally expect from a brand-new chain that you are properly maintaining.<\/p>\n This will depend on your bike. For instance, for single sprocket and single speed bikes<\/a>, you\u2019ll typically want to replace the chain when it has reached a 1% wear mark from your usage. For a bike that has a gear count of 10 or less, then you can replace the chain when it reaches a level close to 75% wear.<\/p>\n For an 11 or a 12-speed model, you can replace it once it has reached approximately 5% wear and this is going to be optimal. With other models that we have not mentioned, it is best to check with the manufacturer for a list of their approved and compatible chains.<\/p>\n If you are an active biker, then it\u2019s a good idea to have a rule for yourself that you will clean and lubricate the drive chain at a minimum once-a-month frequency. This will help to keep you safe and to ensure that you are getting the best performance out of your bike.<\/p>\n If you are an active biker and frequently ride through dusty areas such as trails, then twice a month might be a better fit to keep the drive chain clean and lubricated, but at the very least you\u2019ll want to do it once a month.<\/p>\n WD40 has a good reputation that it has earned over the years. It\u2019s a great water-based lubricant that is perfectly safe to use for cleaning and lubricating your bike chain.<\/p>\n As a bonus, it will also keep corrosion from rust<\/a> at bay and the thin film of this lubricant also helps to minimize the dirt that can accumulate with regular use.<\/p>\n You should always keep 2 cans of this, however, as you\u2019ll find that it has several other uses aside from your bike chain that you can<\/a> take advantage of!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you need a new chain as a replacement, you may be wondering if just any chain will do, or if there is a specific one for each bike… Can you use any chain on a bike? No, you can\u2019t simply switch out any chain for any bike, although you can certainly try and they …<\/p>\nCan I use an 8-speed chain on a 7-speed bike?<\/h2>\n
How do I know what bicycle chain to buy?<\/h2>\n
How do I know my chain size?<\/h2>\n
How much is a new chain for a bike?<\/h2>\n
How long do bike chains last?<\/h2>\n
When should I replace my bike chain?<\/h2>\n
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How often should I lube my bike chain?<\/h2>\n
Is WD40 OK for bike chains?<\/h2>\n