Quick fit chain links

mike killay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 17, 2011
3,012
1,629
My 2 bikes have,
6 gears
8 gears
I want to order some quick links but can only find 7,9 10 etc.
Not 6 or 8
Are my chains suitable for a 7 size link?
 

Alan Quay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 4, 2012
2,351
1,076
Devon
Usually 6/7/8 speed chains are the same size, but sometimes the 8's are a bit slimmer. Have you got a vernier or micrometer to measure both chains?
 

mike killay

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 17, 2011
3,012
1,629
Fordulike,
Thanks for that, it opened a can of worms.
For ordinary bikes there are only two chain sizes, 1/8 or 3/32.
BUT
The external width of the chains varies quite a lot.
Wiki has a very good entry explaining it.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,203
30,604
Here's my complete on-file list:

Trade bikes = 5/32" chain roller/sprocket teeth width

Hub and Single gear = 1/8" chain roller/sprocket teeth width

Up to 8 speed derailleur = 3/32" chain roller/sprocket teeth width

10/11 speed vary by maker, so for all derailleurs it's best to also measure the overall chain width:

3-8 speed - 7.2mm (all brands)
9 speed - 6.8mm (all brands)
10 speed - 6.2mm (Shimano)
10 speed (narrow) - 5.9mm (Campagnolo)
11 speed - 5.5mm (Campagnolo)