A bike chain is essential, whether a BMX chain or a full-suspension mountain bike with 27 gears. The pedals on BMX bikes drive power to the wheels via roller chains. Some bicycle chains are nickel-plated to prevent rust or simply for aesthetics, but most are made from carbon or alloy steel. The chains have been progressing ever since BMX was created. In the interest of shedding a few ounces off a racing bike, lighter chains have been developed or they have been strengthened to accommodate BMX riders’ riding styles.
The new BMX chains can significantly improve the performance and appearance of your bike. We will review the top BMX chains available on the market in our guide to finding the best BMX chains.
Our selection of BMX chains includes chains for every budget, preference, and type of BMX riding, so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs.
Take a look below to see which BMX chains made it to our list.
Top 5 BMX Chain for BMX Bikes with BMX Chain Size
Explore our selection, we assure you will not be let down with the top picks of BMX chain for every BMX bikes.
Campagnolo Record Chain
A high-end cycling chain designed specifically for road cycling, the Campagnolo Record Chain. Known for its lightweight and smooth performance, it’s compatible with Campagnolo’s 11-speed drivetrains. A nickel-plated steel chain has hollow pins and links to reduce weight. The anti-friction treatment also helps to reduce wear and increase efficiency.
Technical Specifications
Links (links): 114
Chain Connection Type: Pressed Pin
Width: 5.5
Half Link Chain: No
Drivetrain Speeds: 11
Weight: 239
Features
There are nine, ten, and eleven-speed versions of Campagnolo’s Record chains.
A hallow pin to reduce weight.
Anti-friction treatment with NI-PTFE ensures smooth pedaling, reduced noise, greater efficiency, and longer chain life.
Ultra-Link Chains feature increased durability and power transmission for optimum performance with Campagnolo drivetrains.
It is a chain that drives the drivetrain’s 11 speeds. The sprockets adjacent to those in use have been designed to eliminate all friction. Smoothness is ensured by a special treatment. Despite its 5.5 millimetre thickness, the Ultra-Shift technology ensures a high retention force. In this chain, hollow pins are used, which are very light and strong at the same time.
Its smooth and quiet operation has been praised by many cyclists. With hollow links and pins, the chain shifts smoothly and quickly. It has been reported, however, that the chain is prone to breaking or stretching, which can affect shifting and performance.
The Campagnolo Record Chain is an excellent chain that is designed for serious road cyclists who demand the best performance from their equipment. Even though it may be more expensive than other chains on the market, many riders believe that it is worth the extra money for its smooth and efficient performance.
Eclat Diesel Chain
Designed for durability and strength, the Eclat Diesel Chain is a high-quality BMX chain. A half-link design offers more adjustability for your BMX chain, thanks to its strong and reliable Chromized steel. Featuring a pre lubricated coating, the chain operates smoothly and quietly.
Technical Specifications
Chain connection: Re-useable master link
Color: Black
Drive train: Single speed ½ inch x 1/8 inch
Half link chain: No
Weight: 382
Features
There are 100 links of chain and a half-link that has already been assembled
The steel has been cromized
The design is lightweight
Pins & plates are extremely strong
It comes with an extra half-link assembled for running gears
BMX bike riders have rated the Eclat Diesel Chain as a high-quality, durable chain that performs well. With the half-link design, customers can adjust chain tension more precisely. As well as ensuring smooth and quiet operation, the pre-lubricated coating has received positive feedback.
There have been some reports that the chain is difficult to install because of its tight fit. Furthermore, some users reported that the chain tends to stretch over time, resulting in poor performance.
It is a high-quality, durable, high-performance BMX chain from Eclat Diesel. A bike chain may be best installed and maintained by experienced riders with the proper skills.
FSA K Force Light Chain
Designed for road and mountain bikes, the FSA K-Force Light chain has high performance. One of the lightest chains on the market is the K-Force Light chain, which weighs just 241 grams. As a result, your bike will be more lightweight and perform better.
Technical specifications
Links (links): 117
Width: 5.5
Half Link Chain: No
Drivetrain Speeds: 11
Weight: 245
Features
Chains made by FSA K Force are:
Compatible with all 11-speed transmissions
FSA’s logo is nickel plated on the links
Optimizes shifting performance by chamfering
Connector link that does not require a tool
Materials used in the chain are of high quality and are resistant to wear and tear. Compared to other chains, this allows it to last longer and require less maintenance.For competitive cycling, K-Force Light chains provide smooth and precise shifting. Easy installation and removal are made possible by the chain’s quick link.
SRAM Red 22 Chain
Featuring smooth and precise shifting, SRAM Red 22 chain delivers top performance. As a result of the hollow pin construction, it is lightweight, which is beneficial for competitive cyclists who want every advantage they can get. In wet conditions, cyclists who frequently ride in nickel-plated outer plates benefit from excellent corrosion resistance. The Power Lock link ensures a secure connection and ease of installation.
Technical Specifications
Links (links): 114
Width: 5.7
Half Link Chain: No
Drivetrain Speeds: 11
Weight: 242
Features
There is more chamfering on the outer plates of the SRAM RED 22 chain for easier shifting and quieter running.
11-speed and eTap compatibility for SRAM Road
Included is a non-reusable PowerLock connecting link
In addition to smooth, precise shifting, the HollowPin construction of SRAM’s 11-speed chain reduces weight without compromising strength.
Plates with nickel plating for corrosion resistance and durability
For serious road cyclists who require the best performance, durability, and ease of use, the SRAM Red 22 Chain is an excellent choice. The product is high-end, however, and comes at a high price.
FSA Team Issue Chain
FSA Team Issue Chains are high-performance bicycle chains that can be used on the road and in off-road environments. With high-quality materials, it provides smooth and efficient power transfer between pedals and wheels.
Technical Specifications
Links (links): 116
Width: 5.8
Half Link Chain: No
Drivetrain Speeds: 10
Weight: 264
Features
Nickel plated and chamfered FSA Team Issue chains offer improved shifting performance
Compatible with all 10 speed transmissions
The links are nickel plated with the FSA logo
Optimizes shifting performance by chamfering
A width of 5.8mm
The connector link is tool-free
A key feature of the FSA Team Issue Chain is its durability. Chain pins and plates are made from hardened steel, preventing elongation and wear. Therefore, riders do not have to worry about their chain stretching and requiring frequent adjustments.
Moreover, the FSA Team Issue Chain’s inner plates are chamfered, improving shifting and reducing chain suck. As a result, the chain can skip and jam when riding in dusty or muddy conditions.
The FSA Team Issue Chain is a solid choice for riders seeking reliable and durable chains that can handle various riding conditions. This high-quality shifter may be slightly more expensive than other options on the market, but it offers better shifting performance and high-quality construction.
BMX Chain Buying Guide for 2023
Chains are usually the last thing to be considered when building up a new bike, but it’s not the last. Chains are among the parts of the drive train that distinguish BMX from scootering, making them an important part of the bike. Take a moment to consider some things you may have overlooked before selecting your next chain.
Step 1: Figure out the chains (Half or Full link chains)
The first type of chain is the half-link chain, which is made up of smaller (half) links that are joined together. Since pressure is spread across a greater number of links, half-link chains have a similar pattern to fish scales.
Traditional full-link chains have been around for years and are still being used today. They are tried and true. Some companies offer both full and half-link-style chains, while others focus exclusively on one type. Since stress is distributed over more links, half-link chains offer a stronger, more durable design.
As the chain can be cut closer to the drop-out, half-link chains can also be shortened and slammed to fit a variety of rear-end sizes. At the end of the day, half-link chains are a personal preference and can be taken either way on your bike.
Step 2: Weight of the chain
Our chosen BMX chains range in weight from 242 grams to 415 grams so that you can choose between lightweight and heavier chains.
Step 3: Check the price, before you buy
Chains for BMX come in a variety of styles, strengths, and price points. You can check each individual pricing for BMX chains here!
Read our blog >> TOP 4 BMX Bike for a budget-friendly mountain bike for a better mountain bike purchase.
Conclusion
Bicycle chains are mostly single-speed or between 6 and 11 speeds long. If your bike has a lot of gears, you should get the right chain. A change in gear causes the chain to move up and down the chainrings, altering the ratio between them.
Gears require thinner links as more gears are added. 11-speed bikes are much smaller than 6-speed bikes since there is much less space. Both road bikes and mountain bikes can benefit from a correctly sized chain.
The BMX chains are built to be strong so that they won’t break when bumped on copings or grind rails. The durability of mountain bike chains is different from that of road bike chains. Water and mud constantly pelt the chain during inclement weather. Dirt and water need to be dealt with by mountain bike chains without wearing them out.
There is very little difference between one bicycle chain and another, even though they all perform the same function. The manufacturers strive to make different improvements for different riding styles.
