MTB Chains Black Friday: discounted prices and bundles
A MTB chain on Black Friday is chosen based on the number of sprockets of your cassette, not the total number of speeds of the bike: a MTB advertised as having 21 speeds, with three chainrings and seven sprockets, takes a 7-speed chain. Then check the length in links and the fastener provided. The discounts from Vélo-Store, valid throughout November, apply here to Shimano, Sram, and KMC chains, sold individually or in packs.
What chain for your MTB transmission?
Count the teeth on the cassette: 7 or 8 for an MTB advertised as having 21 or 24 speeds, 9 for a 27-speed, then 10, 11 or 12 on newer transmissions. The inner width of the chain decreases as the teeth increase: a 12-speed chain in 1/2 x 11/128 inch format, like the KMC X12L, does not replace a 9-speed. For the same number of speeds, Shimano, Sram and KMC usually cross over, unless it's a unique standard: for example, KMC excludes Sram's Flattop from the compatibility of its X12L.
Length, link and lot: understanding a discount
A chain is generally sold a bit long, then shortened at the chain tool. On a single chainring MTB with a very large sprocket, you need some leeway: the Eagle chains from Sram and the X12L from KMC have 126 links, compared to 114 for many 8 or 9-speed chains. Then, compare each strikethrough price to its contents: chain alone or workshop lot, like the twenty-five Sram PC830 or PC951, where the discount is judged by the chain. Finally, compare the link, PowerLock from Sram or MissingLink from KMC, and the finish: hollow pins, EPT treatment, chain supplied waxed, all details that separate two similarly appearing references.
Cassette, derailleur and nearby pages
A new chain runs badly on worn sprockets: check the MTB cassettes on Black Friday and the derailleur pulleys, and the rear derailleur if its cage has suffered. The MTB transmission of the operation brings these parts together; chains for all practices are on the bike chains on Black Friday page, along with selections for road and city. For an older reference, consider the clearance; recent chains are listed in the new arrivals.
The MTB chain brands in the operation
Shimano pairs a chain with each MTB group: Tourney CN-HG40 for 6 to 8 speeds, Deore CN-HG53 and CN-HG54 in 9 and 10 speeds, CN-M6100, CN-M8100 and CN-M9100 in 12 speeds.
Sram finishes its chains with a PowerLock link, with PC830 and PC870 in 8 speeds up to the PC-XX1 Eagle of 12 speeds, with hollow pins or in Rainbow finish.
KMC delivers its X12L already waxed, with hollow pins and MissingLink, and offers its X9 to X11 as well as an E range for electric and cargo bikes.
CeramicSpeed sells KMC chains of 11 and 12 speeds factory-refined, known as UFO Factory Optimized, with a surface treatment that reduces friction.
Frequently asked questions
What chain for a 21-speed MTB?
A 7-speed chain: 21 corresponds to three chainrings and seven sprockets. A chain designed for 6 to 8 speeds, like the Shimano CN-HG40, is suitable.
Do promotions on chains continue after Friday of Black Friday?
Yes. The Black Friday gets its name from the Friday following Thanksgiving, but Vélo-Store keeps its promotions on MTB chains throughout November. Compare on equal terms: same number of speeds, same length, same finish, with or without link, and one lot of twenty-five against another lot.
Why does my MTB chain skip?
Most often due to an elongated chain, a worn cassette or a stiff link. A loose cable or a bent derailleur hanger produces the same effect: check them before changing everything.
Do you need a special chain for an electric MTB?
This is not always required, but the motor puts more strain on the chain. For the same number of speeds, a chain designed for electric bikes, like the E range from KMC, meets this use.
When to lubricate an MTB chain?
After every wet or muddy ride: clean, dry, then apply lubricant link by link and wipe off the excess. A chain delivered waxed is maintained with a product compatible with wax.
