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Better chains that are more durable and longer lasting tend to have harder rivets. Different shaped side plates among various manufacturersĪdditionally, chains will vary in the quality of steel used. Differences can cause variations in shifting performance between brands and models. Chains can vary in side plate shape, sizing, and height. Using a narrow 10 or 11 speed chain may result in the tendency for it to fall between the two rings during a shift.ĭrivetrain manufacturers design their chains to work as a system with the derailleurs, rear sprockets, and shift levers. The spacing between front rings for a 8 or 9 speed chainring set will be relatively wide. Front cranksets are also designated for varying “speeds” to give an indication of the right width chain to use. In addition to the chain working on the rear cogs and rear derailleur the chain must be compatible with the front chain rings. Various derailleur chains in different standards Some nominal widths measured across the rivet between chains are: Breezer Brennabor Bridgestone Brilliant Bicycle Brinks Locks British Eagle Broakland Brodie Broke Bikes Brompton Bicycle Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Brave Soldier Breadwinner Breakbrake17 Bicycle Co. Nominally derailleur chains are called “3/32-inch chain.” However that is not a true measurement, as modern derailleur chains can vary from that sizing. Boulder Bicycles Brand-X Brannock Device Co. Consequently, chains tend to get narrower as the number of rear cogs increases. As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced. The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. When selecting a chain, the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets. Derailleur bike chains are designed to be moved from sprocket to sprocket, and come in many different design standards.
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