When looking for the best bicycle chains for your Fixie, it’s important to know what to look for. There are key things to keep in mind, including the chain’s weight, material, and length.
This article will go over each of these factors in detail so that you can make the best choice for your cycling needs. I will also give you my top three picks for the best fixie chains and show you how to choose the right one.
There are many great chains out there, but my favorite by far is the KMC K710 Kool Bike Chain. Below are just three of my featured favorites. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here.
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What is a chain?
A bicycle chain is a chain fixed to the rear wheel of a bicycle. On a fixie, the chain is attached directly to the rear sprocket. Some bicycle chains are nickel-plated for corrosion protection or aesthetic purposes.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
What are the benefits of fixie chains? (advantages)
Upgrading to a high-quality fixie chain can be an easy way to enhance your biking experience. Fixie chains have numerous advantages, the most significant of which is that they are both lightweight and sturdy.
They are also incredibly simple to install, so you can get your bike up and running quickly. They also come in many colors, so you can express your individuality and ride in style.
Finally, a single-speed chain is supposed to have longer life due to reduced wear on the links from not having to move in tandem with other cogs.
How often should you replace your bike chain?
While you might think a bike chain is a pretty rugged piece of equipment, you need to change it once in a while. Although it must not be done frequently, you should observe it to see if the chain needs changing.
A general rule of thumb is to change the bike chain after riding it for 2000 miles. Now, 2000 miles is a rough number, and you may have to replace it sooner or later, depending on the condition of the fixed gear bike chain that you will visibly notice.
What are some chain manufacturers?
Multiple different companies manufacture bicycle chains. Below are some of the most well-known and reputable companies that produce chains.
Shimano chain
Shimano is a world-famous publicly traded company famous for making many bicycle parts. Shimano chains are a common type of chain used on most fixie bikes. It’s made from heavy-duty metal links designed to last a long time and provide good shifting performance.
KMC chain
KMC chain is a popular option among riders who want a light chain that still provides good shifting performance. It’s made from lightweight aluminum links that are easy to move and keep your bike running smoothly. KMC chains are possibly the most commonly seen on fixed-gear bikes.
They are also manufactured in multiple different colors. There are a lot of KMC franchises on this list. This is because they manufacture the majority of the commercially available bike chains. In fact, KMC presently manufactures over 100 million chains annually.
SRAM chain
The SRAM chain is popular for riders who want the best shifting performance possible. It’s made from high-quality steel links that offer crisp gear changes every time you hit the pedal.
The three best fixie chains of 2022
Below are the three best fixie chains that you can buy right now.
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1. KMC City Hunter 1-Speed Bike Chain
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The City Hunter is for you if you need to ensure your chain doesn’t break, you’re a strong brakeless rider, or you have the money to spend on a snazzy high-performance chain.
The KMC City Hunter is entirely nickel plated and features a unique oval structure, making it the most heavy-duty fixie chain on this list. That manufacturing procedure saves a lot of weight, but the non-standard shape raises the price.
The orange-coated inner plates contrast with the bright nickel exterior, creating a one-of-a-kind chain that will turn heads in fixie circles.
Because it’s designed for high-performance use, this fixie chain might be your best pick if you want to hit the velodrome.
2. KMC K710 Kool Bike Chain
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This is the chain for you if you ride fixie freestyle or take an aggressive approach to brakeless riding with lots of skidding. It’s just a more robust version of the KMC 710. It is genuinely ultra heavy duty, and that, combined with its anti-drop construction, makes it a favorite of messengers and couriers all over North America. This chain is only available in silver and black.
KMC has spent much time and effort improving bicycle chain technology, thanks to years of R&D, constant innovation, and input from the world’s best professional cyclists. KMC has won several design accolades because of its dedication to excellence.
3.KMC Z1eHX chain
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The KMC Z1eHX bicycle chain is a high-performance, durable, and innovative chain. KMC is a world leader in bicycle components, and this chain is designed to meet the highest standards in cycling. It features an asymmetrical design that allows for increased strength and rigidity. The Z1eHX provides increased speed, power, and efficiency when riding your bike.
4.The KMC HL710L Fixie Chain
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The HL710L fixie chain strikes an ideal blend of price and performance. It’s a modern half-link chain, which makes fine-tuning the ideal chain tension easier. Shorter links provide more precise control over chain length, typically eliminating the need for a chain tensioner.
The true benefit of the half-link is its greater durability. Fewer stress spots provide a longer operating life because the inner and outer links are merged into a single connection. The hollow 9.5 mm pin is another appealing feature. You conserve weight for a more responsive, smooth ride without losing durability. Aside from that, it’s quite cool.
What to consider when buying fixie chains (things to look for)
Choosing fixie chains with the right features for you can be daunting, so here are the most important things you should consider when choosing a bike chain.
1. Consider your budget
Fortunately, chains are not very expensive. Many of these fixie/single-speed chains are priced similarly. But you will want to get a decently priced chain (around $30-$20) to stay on the safe side. If you don’t mind bombing hills on a low-cost chain, Amazon has lots for around $10.
2. Consider the durability
Normal pedaling results in more than 30,000 surface-against-surface motions in a link chain every minute. As a result, even on hot and dusty summer roads, grit and grime could be introduced due to the high friction created.
Some chains can’t stand being exposed to snow, rain, or mud and may break down, making creaking and grinding noises. When choosing a chain, it’s important to think about the riding circumstances, but it’s also wise to choose one that can adapt to various settings.
3. Consider the build materials
Steel chains may rust from being exposed to water, whether from riding, cleaning the bike, the dirt, or just the moisture in the air after resting for a while. Proper chain maintenance may protect ordinary steel from rust.
How I chose these fixie chains (ranking criteria and methodology)
I studied hundreds of reviews from real buyers and testers to determine which fixie chains performed best and were dependable. I selected bike chains at various price ranges to ensure that everyone can find a chain that suits their needs. I judged these fixie chains by the following criteria.
Average price (10%)
While this article covers fixie chains with varying price ranges, a bike chain should be affordable. Thus, I highlight affordability and price as prime benefits.
Features (35%)
Every fixie chain has a unique set of features. Some are better than others. I considered their unique features when evaluating these bike chains.
Functionality (25%)
I selected these based on how durable and functional they are. I used real customer reviews and my experience to evaluate their advertised functionality and durability.
Style (10%)
Because let’s face it—we all want a good-looking chain.
Reviews (20%)
I considered positive and negative reviews when evaluating these bike chains.
If you want even more tips, watch this video called 1/8″ vs. 3/32″ Chains, Gear Ratios & Skid Patches | Too Afraid to Ask from the Zach Gallardo YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about fixie bicycle chains.
What is the ideal tension for a fixie chain?
It should be as tight as possible without binding. If the chain is too loose on a fixed gear, it can fall off, which is quite dangerous. Set the rear axle, so the chain pulls taut during the cranks’ tightest spin. Loosen each stack bolt one at a time and tighten it back to the finger.
How many links does a fixed gear bike chain have?
A fresh bicycle chain typically has 116 links. This is sufficient for the largest chainrings and most rear wheel lengths from the front chainring. A fresh chain is frequently trimmed from the 116 links in the box for optimal length.
What kind of chain does a fixie use?
On a fixed-wheel bicycle, chains come in two sizes: 1/8″ and 3/32″. Everything is determined by the breadth of the teeth on the cog and chain ring. 1/8 is the most frequent “since that’s what’s used on the track, and BMX 3/32 is more likely to be seen on motorcycles converted from gears to fix”.
How tight should a fixie chain be?
It should be as tight as possible without binding. If the chain is too loose on a fixed gear, it can fall off, which is quite dangerous. Set the rear axle, so the chain pulls taut during the cranks’ tightest spin. Loosen each stack bolt one at a time and tighten it back to the finger.
Can a regular bicycle chain be used on a Fixed Gear?
No. A single-speed chain is required for fixie bikes. Fixie chains are thicker to withstand the increased load on the drivetrain with fixed wheels
Conclusion
Chains are an essential part of any bike. And as you can see in the list above, many quality fixie chains are available.
This article covered my top three picks for the best fixie chains and how to choose one that’s best for you. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- The best products are:
- KMC City Hunter 1-Speed Bicycle Chain
- KMC K710 Kool Bike Chain
- KMC Z1eHX Bicycle Chain
- KMC HL710L Bicycle Chain
- KMC HL710L Fixie Chain
- A fixie chain is a bicycle chain fixed to the rear wheel of a bicycle rather than the front or rear derailleur.
- Fixie chains have numerous advantages, the most significant of which is that they are both lightweight and sturdy.
- Bike chains are available at six speeds, ranging from 6 to 11 gears.
- Single-speed bikes come with single-speed chains that are usually used for single speeds.
- The new SRAM pc-1 power chain is a high-performance, lightweight chain with a double + triple pin design.
- A single-speed chain is useful for those who have fixed-gear bikes and want to use a single-speed chain.
So, are you ready to buy a new chain? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list of the best fixie chains? Let us know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on fixed-gear bikes. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed.
