Road bike chain Black Friday: discounted prices

Which chain for your road group?

The more speeds a transmission has, the thinner its chain: an 11-speed chain does not replace a 10-speed chain. For 11 speeds, each Shimano group has its chain, from the CN-HG601 of 105 to the CN-HG901 of Dura-Ace, and compatible KMC or Wippermann chains can substitute. For 12 speeds, Shimano uses the same family of chains for road and MTB, hence the presence of the CN-M7100 in this selection. The road Sram AXS groups require the Flattop chain. The 1/2 x 1/8 or electric bike chains present here are used for fixed gears, hubs with integrated gears, and e-bikes.

Length and closing: what to consider

A chain is sold with a number of links, most often 114, 116, or 126, and can be shortened with a chain tool. A 126-link chain allows for a larger frame or a large 34-tooth sprocket; make sure that it is sufficient before ordering. The closing depends on the brand: closing pin or Quick-Link connector from Shimano, PowerLock from Sram, Missing Link from KMC, Connex connector from Wippermann. Each corresponds to a number of speeds: keep a spare in your saddlebag.

Chains on promotion: compare the same chain

The crossed-out price of a chain applies to a specific length, finish, and packaging. Before putting two discounts side by side, check:

• The number of links: the Sram Force E1 Flattop comes in 114 and 126.
• The finish: from KMC, nickel-plated, coated with titanium nitride or DLC, a harder coating.
• The construction: the SL versions of KMC have hollow pins and perforated plates to save weight.
• The packaging: chain alone or box of 25 intended for workshops.
• The generation: a Sram Red22 in 11 speeds has nothing to do with a Red E1 Flattop in 12 speeds.

Cassette, chainrings, and related pages

All year round, the page cassettes and road chains explains wear and compatibility. A new chain skips on worn sprockets: check the road cassettes and road chainrings included in the operation. For an MTB or city bike, see MTB chains, urban chains, or all-purpose chains on Black Friday; replaced references then join the clearance.

The selected road chain brands

Shimano pairs a chain with each road group: CN-4601 for the Tiagra 10-speed, CN-HG601, CN-HG701, and CN-HG901 for the 105, Ultegra, and Dura-Ace 11 speeds.

KMC offers its X10 and X11 in lightweight SL versions and with DLC coating, a very hard layer that reduces wear from abrasion.

Sram reserves its Flattop chain for its 12-speed AXS road groups, from Apex to Red, and secures its 11-speed chains PC-1130 or PC-1170 with a PowerLock connector.

Wippermann, the only German manufacturer of bike chains, produces its Connex chains and the quick connector of the same name in Hagen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which chain for a Shimano 105 group?

A 105 R7000 in 11 speeds takes an 11-speed chain, such as the CN-HG601. A 105 R7100 in 12 speeds requires a Shimano Hyperglide+ 12-speed chain, like the CN-M7100. If in doubt, the reference from your shifter indicates the number of speeds.

How to calculate the length of a road chain?

Common method: wrap the chain around the big chainring and the big sprocket, without threading it through the derailleur, then add two links. However, follow the method from the manufacturer of your group, which may differ.

Will a Shimano 12-speed chain work on a Sram group?

Not on a Sram AXS road group: its cassette and chainrings are designed for the Flattop chain. For other transmissions, follow the manufacturer's compatibility list.

How many kilometers does a road chain last?

No single figure applies to everyone: rain, dust, power, and maintenance change everything. Measure elongation with a tester regularly, and change the chain before it damages the cassette.

Do discounts on chains last longer than a Friday?

Yes. The Black Friday itself is the Friday after Thanksgiving, but at Vélo-Store, the discounts on road chains run throughout November: enough time to measure the elongation of yours before ordering.