jingyel

Hello,

I got a used Cannondale F400 with 8 speed rear shifter. The guy told me the chain needs to be changed. I searched online and found there are so many specs for chains, like 114/ 116links, 1/2" or 1/8" and 3/32", powerlink etc. I wonder if anyone could give me some suggestion to pick a durable and good performance no too expensive chain.

Also I want to change it myself, all I need is a chain tool right? Do I need to buy a powerlink separately?

Thanks!

Jingye

Retro Grouch 

1. You need a 6/7/8 speed chain. When you buy it, it will be too long and have to be shortened to fit your bike. Wrap it around the biggest front chainring and biggest rear cog bypassing the derailleur. Figure out the shortest place you can physically connect the chain. Add 2 links (1 inch) to that. Break the chain at that point, carefully thread it through your derailleur, rejoin it and you're good to go. A chain breaker is the only tool that you need.

2. I personally like SRAM chains. I like the "power link" feature because it makes it easier if you want to remove the chain for cleaning and it eliminates tight link issues. The power link will come with the chain. Cheap ones are $15.00 to $20.00. Better ones are $30.00 to $35.00.

jingyel

Hi Retro,

Thanks for your reply. What do you think of this one--SRAM PC-850 8-SPEED CHAIN WITH POWERLINK CONNECTOR

https://cgi.ebay.com/SRAM-PC-850-CHAI...3A1%7C294%3A50

What is the difference between shall I select 1/2" or 3/32"

MudPie

+1 on the SRAM chain. The Powerlink can be installed and removed with your fingers only in a few seconds, yet is extremely secure. Plus repeated disassembly and reassembly with the Powerlink does not weaken the chain. The SRAM chains are made very well. I've been riding SRAM chains for about 10 years, and have not broken one yet. (I only wish they'd extend a reuseable Powerlink to their 10 spd line).

Retro Grouch 

It'll be fine. That's a fair deal. 8-speed describes the width of the chain (7.1mm) that you need. 1/2" is for non-derailleur bikes. 3/32" is for early 5-speed derailleur bikes.

jingyel

1/2" is for non-derailleur bikes. 3/32" is for early 5-speed derailleur bikes.

I am little confused, because some chain shows 1/2" x 3/32". Does it mean it fits both non-derailleur bikes and early 5-speed derailleur bikes?

Torchy McFlux

The first number is the pitch. All bicycle chains are 1/2", so don't worry about that one.
The second number is the width. That's the one that will vary depending on how many speeds your bike has.
That PC-850 is a decent chain at a good price.

dobber

https://bicycletutor.com/calculate-chain-length/

Chain nomenclature can be misleading. All modern bike chains are 1/2" pitch, that is the distance between rollers. Chains are commonly referred to as 1/4" or 3/8", where the 1/4" is generally found on your single geared bikes like beach cruisers, track bikes and bmx rides. 3/8" is used in the 6/7/8 speed categories, a slightly thinner variant is used for 9 and an even thinner one for 10 speed.

The SRAM and Shimano series differ slightly in material of construction (weight). The SRAM chains are nice due to the inclusion of the Power Link. Shimano warns against making / breaking the chain post installation as it can weaken the subject, but I've never had issues. You can use the SRAM Power Link on Shimano chains, regardless of what Shimano says (make sure you get the right one though).

KMC makes a nice chain too.

jingyel

Thanks everyone. I just ordered a SRAM PC 870 plus a five dollors chain tool. Total $28 with free shipping.

Wanderer

Next time, ck Niagara https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=2443

rumrunn6

btw, I just swapped some chains and I found youtube videos very very helpful! :-)