MTB Chains & Chain Accessories

Both! First clean the chain, apply degreaser, then dry the chain and finally add a little lube. Don't over apply lube, one drop per pin should suffice.

The easiest way to tell if your bike needs a new chain is by using a chain checker tool. As chains get worn, they get slightly longer, because the bushings get worn and chain becomes looser. Replacing a chain at the right time can result in getting more life from the cassette and other drivetrain components.

Chains vary depending on how many speeds (sprockets) the chain is manufactured to be used with. 8 speed chains, for example, are much wider than 11 speed chains, this is because the gaps between the sprockets on an 11 speed cassette are much smaller than those on an 8 speed cassette. Most manufactures recommend using their own cassettes and chains together, however specialist manufacturers such as KMC and Wippermann produce very high quality, long lasting chains.

There are also 1/8 inch chains which are thicker and stronger - however these are used in track cycling or on single speed bikes, (not road, MTB etc)

The number of chain links on a new chain can vary between manufacturers, usually around 112 links. Most chains come with a split / quick link connector to join the new chain, Most new chain installs require a few links to be removed from the new chain - using a chain tool.

This depends on a lot of factors. If you ride only in dry weather, using a wide range of gears, your chain and cassette are kept clean & lubed (replace the chain when it gets worn), you could easily see over 10'000 miles on a road bike cassette. At the other extreme if you ride in wet, gloopy, muddy conditions, only use a few sprockets and never clean & lube, you could chew through a cassette in very little time at all. Most riders fall between these two extremes, keeping your bike's cassette and chain clean and lubricated is the best way to ensure a longer life, particularly if you ride a lot off road.

No. Chains vary depending on how many speeds (sprockets) the chain is manufactured to be used with. 8 speed chains, for example, are much wider than 11 speed chains, this is because the gaps between the sprockets on an 11 speed cassette are much smaller than those on an 8 speed cassette. Most manufactures recommend using their own cassettes and chains together, however specialist manufacturers such as KMC and Wippermann produce very high quality, long lasting chains.