Hello there, BMX fans! Are you struggling to find the best chain suitable for your bike to have a confident experience of jumping and doing tricks? We understand your frustration, which is why we’ve put together our comprehensive guide of top best BMX chains 2023, to help you find the best bike chains available. A dependable and long-lasting chain is crucial for a fun and trouble-free ride, whether you’re a pro rider or just getting started. In this article, we will take a deep look into the world of BMX chains, highlighting the best materials, and features of chains. So, get ready to improve your biking experience with the best chains available. Let’s first talk about two types of chains, half-link and full-link, available in the market.
Half Link vs. Full Link Chains
Full link or traditional chains are the conventional style of chain that has been around for years. They have the basic outer/inner link configuration, so to shorten them, you must remove one of each of these types of links. As the name implies, half-link chains are made up of smaller links that are joined together; as the tension is distributed across more links, the durability improves. They resolve the wheel position issues. So to shorten them, you have to remove only one link. Both half-link and traditional chains are strong, and the choice depends on the construction of your bike’s drivetrain and your convenience.
Let’s look at the factors you’ll need to consider before making your decision.
Durability
Generally, you don’t want your chains to break in the middle of nowhere and leave you frustrated. As a chain’s lifespan can make or break your cycling adventures. So, there are brands that offer a lifetime warranty against chainplate breaking. The most important consideration before making a decision is the chain’s durability.
Size/Length
Most commonly all BMX bike chains, both half-link and full-link, come in 1/2-inch length but the width has two options of 1/8-inch and 3/32-inch to choose from. So, you will require a special chain tool to install them properly.
Budget
Nobody likes to overspend, so having a set but flexible budget when purchasing your BMX chain is a good idea. Chains range in price from $10 to $50, depending upon the features it offers.
Material
BMX chains are made of the same materials as regular bicycle chains: plain carbon, alloy steel, and nickel plating to prevent the rust and improve the life-span of your bike chain.
Your bike’s drivetrain
While selecting a chain for your bike, you must keep your bike’s dimensions in mind, especially the thickness of your cog and chainring to give you a smooth experience. Keep these factors in mind as you go through our list, and we’re confident you’ll find your match by the end!
KMC is a reliable brand when it comes to the chains for your bikes. This KMC Z410 is a durable and lightweight chain made of nickel that will protect your chain from rust and will last you a long time. The 112 links enables the rider to achieve greater momentum with less effort, enhancing the overall efficiency of your cycling experience and the chain length can be easily adjusted according to your preferences.
The KMC Z410 chain comes in a variety of eye-catching colors so you can pick the one you like or matches your bike.The irresistible ‘Dropbuster’ setup with an oversized chain plating is specifically designed for smoother landings and grinding. Plus, it is compatible with a wide variety of bikes like mountain bike, a road bike, a BMX, or even a fixie, making it an excellent choice for any cyclist.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Full-link heavy duty chain
- Non-corrosive nickel material
- Available in 8 beautiful colors to choose from
- Lightweight but durable
- Universal â…›-inch size
- Suitable for many bike types like BMX, fixie, or road bikes
Cons
- Fitting a master-link might be a little tricky.
- Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the product’s color, claiming that it does not appear to match the description or images
The SHADOW CONSPIRACY Interlock V2 Bike Chain is probably one of the strongest half-link chains in the BMX world. Made from hardened steel and a tensile strength of 1300 kgf, this chain is a popular choice among pros. So you can conquer steep inclines or navigate through city streets knowing that your chain can handle whatever you throw at it.
It comes in various colors with Teflon coating for less friction. This 98 half-link chain comes with a pre-installed and additional master pin. It goes well with an 8T driver and up. It provides you with both strength and adjustability. With its sleek design and top-notch performance, this bike is built to last you a long time.
Pros
- High quality steel construction
- Diverse selection of colorsÂ
- Heavy duty chain
- Extremely durable chain with 98 half-links
- Standard 1/8-inch size
Cons
- Not suitable for the bikes that need 112 link chains to work smoothly. As you may need to buy extra chain to get enough links to reach the right length ( still check your bike dimensions first)
- As chain is super strong, you will need to buy the shadow conspiracy chain breaker for chain setup. Using any other chain breaker might prove to be challenging.
KMC has one of the best quality bike chains for your BMX freestyling and one of its products is KMC HL710L, a bike made from strong steel to bear the stress you apply on it while riding and support you throughout the day. This half-link chain is a perfect fit for 1/8-inch cog thickness and for your single speed BMX and track bikes. With 112 links and a master link, it can be adjusted to any size of your choice. The hollow pins cut you some weight and give your bike a good drivetrain for smooth handling and paddling. In short it has a lot to offer at a considerable price.
Pros
- Strong steel material construction
- Lightweight
- Half-link chain with 1/8 -inch standard size
- Comes with a master-link
- Best fit for BMX and track bikes
Cons
- Paint is not of good quality
- Master pin of the chain is a bit faulty and might cause the chain to snap but it can be fixed by removing the actual piece of thin wire that goes through the hole drilled in it and replacing it with a short piece of strong wire like stainless steel and it will be more durable
The Odyssey Bluebird Chain is an excellent choice for any BMX rider looking for a heavy-duty, dependable, and stylish chain. With its extensive color range, you can choose the shade that perfectly complements your BMX style. Whether you prefer a vibrant red, a sleek black, or a cool blue, the Odyssey Bluebird Chain has got you covered. Odyssey Bluebird is a great chain with minimal stretch and is best for tiny gears and short dropouts.
This full-link chain comes with a half-link installed in its one end. So if you want the half-link then reduce the chain length by removing links from the other end or if you need full-link then just remove the pre-installed half-link and shorten the length from this side and the connector link makes the installation super easy. Its heavy-duty pins and plates are made for BMX freestyling and endures great stress while jumping or riding. So, you can conquer the streets, parks, and trails with confidence, knowing that your chain can handle whatever you throw at it. In short, from looks to functionality this chain has it all.
Pros
- Available in 6 colors
- Heavy-duty plates and pins
- For all bmx riders
- Universal 1/8 -inch size
- Easy to install
Cons
- Might not be ideal for thick gears or big dropouts.
If your tired of pesky chain breaks and frustrating maintenance session, then try Connex Wippermann 1Z1, which is built from German-made steel and has special anti-rust coating to protect the chain from corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions like humadity.These are ideal for hard-core BMX and park riders because Wipperman 1Z1can withstand a lot of big hits and are extremely durable.
This cool-looking chain has 112 links and a spring clip link that give you an easy adjustment and installation. With a little bit of regular maintenance this chain will last you a long time.
Pros
- German-made steel construction
- Anti-rust coatingÂ
- Full-link chain with 1/8 -inch standard size.
- Easy to install spring clip links
- Best fit for BMX, fixies, and track bikes
- 112 links long chain
Cons
- A little bit heavy
This tough chain works really well and can handle tough weather. It’s not too expensive and is very good quality, so it’s one of our top picks for BMX riders.
KMC is a reputable brand for chains and is popular among BMX riders. its KMC K710 Kool Chain is a super heavy duty and is specially designed for jumping and aggressive street riding and has a tensile strength of 1300 kgf so you don’t have to be worried about your chain while doing your tricks as its robust construction guarantees that you can push your limits without worrying about any weak links.
The silver/black combo gives a cool stylish look to your bike. Thin chain has a strong grip on gears and has extra tall plates to help keep the chain on the sprocket. This anti-drop designed KMC K710 is a single-speed chain with 112 links and has a standard fit size of 1/8-inch. Its nickel coating protects your chain from rust and will last you a long time.
Pros
- Super heavy duty construction
- Anti Rust material
- Standard 1/8-inch size.
- Full-link chain with 112 links
- Stylish
Cons
- Not suitable for fixed gear skid riders
- Might make some clinking noises
The final chain on our list is also from KMC, demonstrating their market dominance. The KMC k810 chain is specified by its superb strength, which is attributed to its large outer plates, tall inner plates, and robust mushroom-shaped pins. Riders can perform tricks without fear of chain breakage thanks to this durability. Furthermore, when compared to wider chains, this heavy-duty chain is exceptionally tough and doesn’t attract much dirt and grime. It has responsive steering and a smooth ride, making it a joy to drive and giving you the confidence to take on even the most difficult obstacles.
The KMC K810 comes in a stylish two-tone silver/black color scheme, giving it a fashionable appearance. The chain has 112 links and weighs 410 g with a width of 7.8mm. You can adjust the length of the chain and enjoy your BMX experience as it is built to last you a long time.
Pros
- Very durable
- Affordable
- Stylish combo of silver/black
- Universal 1/8-inch size
- Full-link sturdy chain
Cons
- Installation needs a strong Chain Break Tool because the pins and plates are pretty thick
This is the chain to get if you want a strong, durable, stylish, and dependable chain. We highly recommend these for intermediate to advanced level BMX riders; they are a steal at the price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, consider all of the factors before making a decision. Also, after purchasing a chain, ensure that it is well maintained and lubricated at all times, as this has a significant impact on the chain’s life cycle. It is also recommended that the original factory coating not be removed because it is superior to any other lube and should last several hundred miles before the chain requires lining. Although many riders prefer to remove the original factory coating as it can be super sticky and can attract a lot of dirt and they use their preferred lubes. This extensive product line guarantees quality at an affordable price! I hope you find your chain and have a smooth ride on your BMX.
Pingback: Tired Of Rust Ridden Rides? Here's How To Remove Rust From Bike Chain -