Among the many components of a road bike, the chain is small, but it has a crucial impact on the riding experience. A suitable chain can make the gear shifting precise and smooth, and the power transmission efficient and stable, while choosing the wrong chain may lead to various riding problems. Today, DYC will explain in detail how to choose a suitable road bike chain.

1. Matching the transmission system

Speed matching: Road bike chains have different speeds, the most common ones are 12-speed, 11-speed, 10-speed, 9-speed, 8-speed, etc. Be sure to choose the chain according to the speed and specifications of the bikes, otherwise it is easy to cause unsmooth speed change, and even long-term use may cause problems such as chain breakage.

Brand adaptation: The speed systems of different brands have different compatibility with chains. For example, mainstream brands such as Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, etc. have their own corresponding chain series. The DYC chain DLC series and D series are for the three major speed systems: SHIMANO, SRAM, CAMPAGNOLO and other mixed systems. 

2. Consider the chain material

Alloy steel chain: This is a common material with high strength and toughness. It can withstand high tension during road riding and is not easy to break. After surface treatment, it has good anti-rust performance and is suitable for daily road riding environment.

Stainless steel chain: It has excellent corrosion resistance, is not easy to rust when riding in wet or bad weather, and has a long life. Although it is relatively heavy and has a slight impact on the lightness of riding, it is a good choice for riders who pursue durability and stability.

Titanium alloy chain: The biggest feature of titanium alloy material is that it is light and strong, which can effectively reduce the overall weight of the bicycle and improve the speed and handling performance of riding. However, due to the scarcity and processing difficulty of titanium alloy, the price of titanium alloy chain is relatively high.

DYC chain is made of high-strength medium carbon steel and is carefully crafted. This material has both strength and toughness, can withstand large tensile forces and has stable performance. It can calmly deal with complex road conditions and riding intensity, and effectively guarantee the power transmission of riders. Its unique manufacturing process optimizes the internal structure, reduces stress concentration, and prolongs the life of the chain.

3. Chain strength and durability

Grade differences: Chains of different grades will differ in strength and durability. Some high-end road bike chains use more advanced manufacturing processes and materials, such as hollow design, special forging processes, and smoother and more durable plating to further reduce weight and improve durability. Of course, their prices are relatively high.

Load capacity: You need to consider the load capacity of the chain based on your riding habits and actual usage scenarios. If you often do high-intensity cycling training, climbing or long-distance riding, you need to choose a chain with higher strength and greater load capacity to prevent problems such as excessive wear or fatigue breakage during riding.

DYC East Asia Chain DLC series chains use diamond-like coating, which has the characteristics of high hardness, wear resistance, low friction, corrosion resistance and self-lubrication, which can greatly improve the service life and transmission efficiency of the chain. It is an ideal choice for high-end riding that pursues high performance and stability.

4. Determine the chain length

Measurement method: There are various ways to measure the chain of a road bike. In a road double chainring system, if the largest flywheel is ≥28T, the chain is hung on the largest chainring and the largest freewheel and two chain links are added; if the largest flywheel is ≤27T, the chain is passed through the rear derailleur, and the largest chainring and the smallest freewheel are hung, so that the connecting line between the guide wheel and the tension wheel is 90° or slightly larger with the ground. It can also be cut after comparison with the old chain, which is the simplest method.

5. Pay attention to the smoothness and noise level of the chain

Smoothness: Smoothness affects the riding experience. A smooth chain can reduce the energy consumption of power transmission and make riding more labor-saving. A high-quality chain rotates without jamming and with low resistance, which depends on the internal structure, roller and sleeve accuracy, and lubrication conditions

Noise level: A quiet riding environment is what many riders pursue. Some high-quality chains consider reducing noise during the design and manufacturing process. For example, a special chain link shape and high-precision processing technology are used to make the chain and sprocket mesh more smoothly and reduce noise.

In general, choosing a suitable road bike chain requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. DYC East Asia chain is undoubtedly the best choice for road bike enthusiasts due to its excellent compatibility, diverse material selection and excellent performance.