A bicycle chain is an essential component of any bike, but, if you’re like many cyclists, you might not know what chain you need for your bike. We’ve put together a guide to good, affordable chains for bikes ranging from 9-speed to 10-speed.
If you’re not sure how to change your bike chain check out this article on changing your own chain.
This KMC bike chain is stretch-resistant and can handle a little more wear and tear, allowing you to get more miles out of it. This chain is one of the most robust chains available, thanks to high-quality alloy materials and a mushroomed pin. It measures 12″ x 3/32″ and you’ll love how quiet and smooth this chain is on your 9-speed.
SHIMANO ULTEGRA CN-6701 CHAIN 10-speed
Shimano has a long history of producing high-quality bicycle components, and the Ultegra chain is no exception. It’s one of the strongest 10 speed chains for road bikes as a top-rated bike chain. The zinc-alloy steel ensures that the chain is both robust and compact. The interaction with the rear sprockets is improved by an asymmetric design with redesigned inner and outer plates, resulting in a smooth and quiet transition. The Shimano Ultegra CN-6701 [paid link] chain will boost your shifting and power transfer so that your next road trip is the best it can be. This chain is compatible with double and compact drivetrains.
Shimano Ultegra 6600 10 Speed Chain
Not everyone rides double or compact. For those with a triple drivetrain, the Shimano Ultegra 6600 10-speed is perfect. This chain is made of zinc alloy. This chain appeals to us because the plates have been treated with Sil-Tec, which helps them to easily pivot around the derailleur, cogs, and chainrings. Shimano also discovered a way to reduce friction between the inner and outer links of the chain by 60%, making the trip even smoother.
KMC X10SL DLC BICYCLE CHAIN 10-speed
This KMC bike chain is extremely light and works with Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM 10 speed systems. The KMC X10SL DLC chain is 12”x11/128” in size and has 116 connections. This KMC bike chain is one of our favorites because the black diamond-like coating greatly decreases abrasive wear. The chain’s surface hardness is also higher than that of other chains. This KMC chain is suitable for mountain or road biking, and it is stable, robust, and long-lasting.