Bike chain Black Friday: deals 1 to 12 speeds

Points to note before buying a chain

The number of speeds determines the width of the chain: an 11-speed chain is narrower than a 9-speed chain and cannot be swapped. Single-speed chains, marked 1/2 x 1/8, are used on BMX, fixies, and hub gears; 1/2 x 3/32 chains are for 5 to 8-speed transmissions; from 10 speeds onwards, the width narrows even further, as indicated by the mention of 11/128. The length, measured in links, varies from 110 to 138 depending on the model: a chain that is too long can be shortened with a chain tool, while a chain that is too short can only be extended with an extra piece. Detailed choices by transmission are explained on the permanent page for bike chains.

Chains on sale: compare like for like

A discount on a chain is based on the price of a chain of the same width and length: when faced with a crossed-out price, first check these points on the product page.

• Individually or in bulk: several models on the page are sold in packs of 5 or 25 for workshops.
• The number of links: 114, 116, 126, or 138 for the same model; a mountain bike with a very large sprocket often requires a long chain.
• Treatment: bare chain, treated against rust, like the EPT finish from KMC, coated with titanium nitride, or delivered waxed.
• Construction: hollow pins and perforated plates lighten high-end models.
• Attachment: quick link provided, PowerLock from Sram, Missing Link from KMC, or closed with a pin.

Chains with specific standards: electric bike, Flattop, T-Type

Some chains only work with their specific transmission. The Sram Flattop chains, with flat plates, are designed to accompany the Sram 12-speed AXS road groups, and the T-Type chains work with the Eagle transmission of the same name. Chains for electric bikes, like the Shimano E-Bike or the KMC E series, are designed for the power transmitted by the motor; on an e-bike, prefer these at the same number of speeds.

Change the chain with the rest of the transmission

A new chain will skip on overly worn sprockets: check the condition of the bike cassettes in Black Friday and the derailleur pulleys for the operation. Each riding style also has its selection: chains for road bikes, mountain bikes or city bikes during the operation. Once the operation finishes, a visit to the clearance section or the new arrivals is still useful.

Chain brands during Black Friday

Shimano codes its chains by group, from the Tourney CN-HG40 in 6 to 8 speeds to the Dura-Ace CN-HG901 in 11 speeds, including the CN-M6100 and CN-M7100 for 12-speed mountain bikes, and an E-Bike series, CN-E6070 and CN-E6090.

KMC covers every width, from Z1 single-speed in narrow and wide versions to X8 to X12 derailleur chains, and offers the E series for electric and cargo bikes, as well as waxed models like the X12 Waxed.

Yaban combines single-speed chains 1/2 x 1/8 and derailleur chains 1/2 x 3/32 with 10 and 11-speed chains presented as self-lubricating, including a titanium version.

Sram closes its derailleur chains with a PowerLock link, from PC-850 for 6 to 8 speeds to PC-XX1 Eagle, and offers Flattop E1 for Red, Force, and Rival road groups.

XLC lists the length in its titles: CC-C chains range from 110 to 138 links, including a CC-C11 for electric bikes.

Frequently asked questions

When to take advantage of Black Friday for your chain?

Around the Friday after Thanksgiving, but not just then: Vélo-Store keeps its discounts on chains for the whole of November. As a chain is a wear part, having one on hand in advance helps avoid riding with an elongated chain.

When is a chain considered worn?

As soon as a wear tester indicates the limit elongation set by the manufacturer. Beyond that, the chain wears out the cassette and chainrings, and the shifting quality deteriorates. Measure regularly; wear depends on terrain, rain, and maintenance.

How many links do I need for my bike?

Count the links of the old chain if it was properly set up, or follow the method provided by the derailleur manufacturer. Buy a chain at least as long, then shorten it with a chain tool.

Can a quick link be reused?

Not always: some quick links are designed for a single installation. The manual or designation specifies whether it can be reopened; when in doubt, prepare for a new one.

Will a Shimano chain work on a Sram transmission?

Often, at the same number of speeds, for classic transmissions. However, proprietary standards, Flattop, T-Type or Shimano Linkglide transmissions require the chain from their family.