10 Best Bike Chains in the Philippines 2022 | Shimano, KMC, and More

Given that the bike chain delivers power to your wheels, it is important to have a good one. It makes your bike safer to use, and it makes your bike rides very efficient. To choose one, you need to consider the bike you have, the components that are in it, and what you want your bike to feel like. Let’s go over the considerations.

There are different drivetrain manufacturers for bicycles, namely, Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. Due to the different designs employed by each company, some components might not work in conjunction with other company’s parts.

Although SRAM and Shimano might work interchangeably in some of their drivetrain models, it might cause reliability issues in the long run, so only opt for bike chains intended for the drivetrain you have in your bike. Campagnolo, on the other hand, have their chain pulley system and won’t work with the other companies at all.

Bikes are capable of a specific speed made possible by the number of gears or cogs present in the bike. For example, if a bike has 11 gears, we can say that it is an 11-speed bicycle.

Cogs refer to a circular disc lined with metal teeth where a chain can latch onto securely. Each type of cog has a certain thickness and spacing that is compatible with a particular size of bike chain.

Bike chains are available in several sizes and you cannot use a bike chain for a certain speed interchangeably with others. So, it is best to check the package to determine which speed it is meant for.

A bike chain is usually made of carbon steel or alloy steel. But for more efficiency, opt for a bike chain that is also plated in nickel or titanium to improve the rust-proofing of the chain. The plating helps cover the susceptible steel from water, which can rust if left unchecked.

In addition, the plating also makes it easier for the chain links to rotate, leading to a smoother pedaling. Lastly, it provides a hard surface for the chain, which makes it wear-resistant.

Professional cyclists put a lot of emphasis on the weight of their bikes. The lighter it is, the easier it is to pedal. Chains are considered light if they fall below 300 grams. They make this possible by reducing the material used through the design or by using a very light yet strong metal. However, lighter chains are more expensive, so think about it before buying.

Anything more than 280 grams is considered a regular weight chain. If you plan on competing in a cycling event, getting a light bike chain might save you a few weight that can make you a bit faster, at a cost. Recreational bikers need not worry about weight as it is negligible on the daily commute, and the price is hard to justify.

Cleaning a regular bike chain can be difficult as you will need to use a chain pin and chain breaker to reattach the chain. Because of that, having a quick release chain link makes cleaning and maintenance easier. It works by replacing the outer plate with a pair of permanently set pins. 

It has a slot that when the chain is pulled, the quick link locks in place, providing a strong connection. To undo the link, just squeeze it using a pair of thin nose pliersー that’s why it’s known as a quick release chain link.

Most of the time, people use bicycles on busy streets where there is a lot of danger around, thus the bike and its parts must not fail while in use. To lessen the chances of accidents, going for a bike chain made by a reputable brand will put your mind at ease.

Brands have years of perfecting and testing their bike chains. They also have good reviews from their customers, which speaks well of the quality they put out. You're assured that the chains will last longer with far fewer defects, which makes your biking a safer affair.

Biking has become a popular mode of transport due to the limited public utility vehicles in the Philippines. However, this popularity also draws opportunists to tricking unsuspecting buyers just to make a quick buck. They do this by selling counterfeit items and masquerading them as the original.

Before buying, check online for some tips on detecting fake bike chains. Check the minute details as counterfeiters often fail to completely imitate original ones in this regard. If the price is too good to be true, it is indicative that the item is fake, so steer away from those.

Looks have no performance benefit, but the mental satisfaction it gives you will be worth something. So get a bike chain that fits your taste. There are chains plated in different colors, such as chrome, black, gold, and oil slick. Choose what fits the overall color scheme of your bike or what makes you feel proud of it.

You are now a step closer to putting the power to your pedal! But first, you need to find a good bicycle chain to make that happen. Below is a list of the best bike chains you can buy online, so check them out and see if a product matches your bike's specs!

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Even if you take your bike on clean roads, your drivetrain will always accumulate grime and dirt through constant use. This can wear down your chain and cogs much faster, so it is important to keep it squeaky clean. Here are some tips from REI on how to keep your drivetrain in tiptop shape.

What You'll Need:

• Degreaser
• Old rags
• Chain cleaning device
• Soapy water
• Old toothbrush
• Chain lubricant

Steps:

1. Place your bike on a stand to have good access to the drivetrain.
2. Put some degreaser on the rag and wipe it onto your chain, chainring, and cogs. If you have a degreaser spray, spray it and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. If you have a really dirty chain, use a chain cleaning device filled with soapy water. Pedal your bike to have the device clean all of your bike chains.
4. Use an old toothbrush to clean your cogs. Pedal your bike while holding the brush against the cogs to remove any debris. 
5. Finish by using a rag to wipe the gears and to remove any remaining grime in between.
6. Once everything has dried, apply the chain lube, making sure you get it on all the chain links. 
7. Pedal your bike to spread it evenly and on the gears and chainring. Wipe off any excess lubricant using a rag.

Aside from getting the right bike chain, you will need safety equipment, such as a helmet, to keep you protected from any serious injuries. Meanwhile, the use of gloves and cycling shoes helps with the comfort and power transfer, making you faster and pedaling for longer. Check out the links below to know more about our top 10 picks! 

A bike is a beautiful tool to harness human strength and turn it into a means of faster transportation. For riding efficiency and for your safety, get the right components for its drivetrain, including a bike chain that is compatible with your bicycle's specs. 

If you plan on buying a new bike chain only for the sake of buying, it might be better to delay the purchase and let your bike chain maximize its life. So get out there and use your bike to ride farther and longer than ever before.

Author: Richard Martin

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