Chains

Q: How is a BMX Chain constructed? (Anatomy)

Outer / Inner Plates The side elements holding the chain together. Thicker plates mean more strength against grinding damage. Pins The rivets connecting the links. Hardened or hollow pins affect weight and strength. Rollers The parts that engage with the teeth of the sprocket and driver.

Q: What types of BMX Chains are there?

Standard Chain (Full Link) Consists of alternating inner and outer links. To shorten it, you must always remove two links (one inner, one outer). Generally lighter and cheaper. Halflink Chain Consists of identical, L-shaped links that are half inner, half outer. This allows you to shorten the chain link by link. Advantage: You can dial in your rear wheel position (CS length) much more precisely, which is crucial for frames with short dropouts. They are also very resistant to grind damage due to the overlapping design.

Q: What materials are used?

Steel (Hardened) Most chains are made of heat-treated steel for maximum tensile strength. Coatings (Teflon / Nickel) Many chains have special coatings (e.g., Teflon) to reduce friction and prevent rust.

Q: Which BMX Chain is right for me?

The standard width for Freestyle BMX is 1/8" (Width). Do not buy 3/32" chains (Race/Road) as they won't fit most freestyle sprockets. For Street/Grinding: A robust Halflink chain is recommended. For Park/Trails: A lightweight Standard chain (e.g., KMC 510 or similar) is often sufficient and saves weight.

Q: How do I maintain my Chain?

Lubricate: Oil your chain regularly, but wipe off excess oil to prevent dirt buildup. Tension: Keep the chain tight enough so it doesn't flap, but loose enough to not bind the driver bearings. Check Alignment: Ensure your sprocket and driver are perfectly aligned to prevent premature wear or snapping.

Chains FAQ

What is a BMX Chain and what is its main purpose?

The chain transfers power from the chainring (sprocket) to the rear hub driver. In BMX freestyle, chains must be extremely tensile to withstand the sudden bursts of acceleration and the impacts from grinding (sprocket stalls/grinds).

How is a BMX Chain constructed? (Anatomy)

Outer / Inner Plates: The side elements holding the chain together. Thicker plates mean more strength against grinding damage.
Pins: The rivets connecting the links. Hardened or hollow pins affect weight and strength.
Rollers: The parts that engage with the teeth of the sprocket and driver.

What types of BMX Chains are there?

Standard Chain (Full Link): Consists of alternating inner and outer links. To shorten it, you must always remove two links (one inner, one outer). Generally lighter and cheaper.
Halflink Chain: Consists of identical, L-shaped links that are half inner, half outer. This allows you to shorten the chain link by link.
Advantage: You can dial in your rear wheel position (CS length) much more precisely, which is crucial for frames with short dropouts. They are also very resistant to grind damage due to the overlapping design.

What materials are used?

Steel (Hardened): Most chains are made of heat-treated steel for maximum tensile strength.
Coatings (Teflon / Nickel): Many chains have special coatings (e.g., Teflon) to reduce friction and prevent rust.

Which BMX Chain is right for me?

The standard width for Freestyle BMX is 1/8" (Width). Do not buy 3/32" chains (Race/Road) as they won't fit most freestyle sprockets.

For Street/Grinding: A robust Halflink chain is recommended.
For Park/Trails: A lightweight Standard chain (e.g., KMC 510 or similar) is often sufficient and saves weight.

How do I install a BMX Chain?

Place the chain over the sprocket and driver.
Determine the correct length.
Use a chain tool to push out the pin at the desired spot.
Reconnect the chain. With Halflink chains, ensure the flat side of the link faces outwards and the open end faces the direction of travel (usually). Follow manufacturer instructions!
If using a Master Link (on standard chains), clip it in securely.

How do I maintain my Chain?

Lubricate: Oil your chain regularly, but wipe off excess oil to prevent dirt buildup.
Tension: Keep the chain tight enough so it doesn't flap, but loose enough to not bind the driver bearings.
Check Alignment: Ensure your sprocket and driver are perfectly aligned to prevent premature wear or snapping.

What do the specifications mean for BMX Chains?

Spec	Description	Examples / Available
Type	Link design.	Halflink, Standard (Full Link)
Size (Width)	Width of the chain.	1/2" x 1/8" (Freestyle Standard)
Links	Number of links in the package.	approx. 100 Links (enough for standard gearing)
Pin Type	Construction of the rivets.	Solid Pin, Hollow Pin (lighter)
Finish	Color or coating.	Black, Chrome, Teflon-Coated, Gold