Best bike chains Thrifter 2020

Bike chains are pretty resilient. They have to be. After all, they are constantly moving and constantly exposed to the elements. They need to be durable, but it's inevitable that at some point they will wear out. When that happens, don't get caught without a bike to ride. Grab the right chain for the job. Here are the best bike chains on Amazon.

Best Value: KMC Z51/Z8 bicycle chain

Top Pick

Fits 6, 7, and 8 speed bikes. The links are 1/2 x 3/32 inches and there are 116 links in a package.

$14 on Amazon

Best Ease of Use: Zonkie 116-link bike chain

This chain is designed to be as easy as possible. The links are easy to install and disassemble. They're also easy to clean and easy to reuse. They are very durable and designed to resist both rust and corrosion so you can use them for a long time.

$16 at Amazon

Best Repair Kit: Isinlive multi-function bike chain and repair kit

Works with 6, 7, and 8 speed bicycle chains from any brand. The chain uses the X-bridge design and is a suitable upgrade for any brand or original chain. It's also resistant to rust, wear over time, and more. The kit itself comes with a chain breaker to help you replace your old chain.

$22 at Amazon

Best for BMX: KMC Z410 Bicycle Chain

The Z410 comes in a variety of colors for you to choose from. This is a good chain for BMX, Fixies, Cruisers, track bikes, and more. The chain has 112 links and works great for single speed needs.

$12 at Amazon

Best Single Speed: Schwinn bicycle chain

A 1/2 x 1/8 inch chain that comes with 112 links. It's fully nickle plated and designed for heavy duty, which even makes it resistant to being dropped. Works for single speed bikes.

$10 at Amazon

Best for All Speeds: Sram PC 11-speed bicycle chain

This 120-link chain is strong and precise and built to last. Can work with all 11 speed groupsets, and the PowerLock chain connector ensures an easy and consistent way to connect chains.

$30 at Amazon

Stay connected

Durability is obviously one of the most important aspects in a bike chain. You need something that's going to last, especially if you do any sort of crazy biking like BMX. Of course, even if all you do is commute to and from work you don't exactly want to get stuck without your primary mode of transportation. That's one reason we recommend getting a repair kit with your bike chain. Not only do you get the links you need, but you also get the tools to make fixing your chain that much easier.

Make sure you're getting the right chain for your bike. The Schwinn bicycle chain works great with single speed bikes, but if you need something for a variety of speed groupsets, grab the Sram PC bike chain. There are links for any situation, so just double check what one you precisely need.

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