Need a new ebike ch...
 

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[Closed] Need a new ebike chain

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As above need a couple of 10 speed ebike chains.
I've been told that the cheaper non hollow pin chains are strong enough to use and you don't pay the 'ebike tax'.
Anyone do that or should I cough up the extra?
Cheers.


 
Posted : 03/03/2022 11:03 pm
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Anyone?
Would like to order this morning if poss ta.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 7:46 am
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Not 10 speed but we're using KMC chains on our e-bikes.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 8:25 am
 FOG
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I asked this very question in my LBS and the mechanic was very sniffy about 'ebike chains'. He said just buy what you normally use and accept it might not last quite as long as on a normal bike.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 8:26 am
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Always use standard KMC chains on my eeb.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 9:28 am
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Not sure whether they last any longer but worth checking the length of chain you need which might decide if you need an ebike specific chain.

We have a fleet of ebikes with 9 and 10 speed drivetrains and find that normal chains are not long enough.

The combination of wide(ish) 42t cassette, long chainstays and bigger chainrings (38t) mean we need 118 or 120 link chains to get a correct fit.
standard 9 and 10 speed chains are normally 114 or 116 links, ebike specifc chains are often 124 or 126 link

another option is cheaper normal 11 and 12 speed chains which are generally long enough because they are designed for 50t cassettes and work ok on 1x drivetrains.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 10:16 am
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2x normal chain might still be cheaper than a single ebike chain though!


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 10:24 am
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We use SRAM X1s on all of ours, Turbo Levos. Its what they came with and seam to last quite a while before needing changing. Can still be found with offers on them.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 10:40 am
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Thanks folks.
The bike is 34 up front and 46 cassette and old chain was 114 links, have no idea if it was long enough tho, how do u work that out?
I'll have a look for those recommended later.
👍


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 3:54 pm
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There is a guide here on chainlength if you want to work it out from scratch with 1x nearer the bottom:

https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing

Is pretty simple but if you have rear suspension then need to make the calculation at the point of maximum chain length in the suspension stroke


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 6:57 pm
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If mine has worked OK throughout the life of the old chain then I have just used the same amount of links for the new one


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 7:00 pm
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It's a new to me bike Tracey but at a guess if that's what was on there then assume 114 will work ok... 🙂 but will have a look at the Park guide cheers Tom.


 
Posted : 04/03/2022 8:34 pm
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Ok taken a couple of pics,
at full compression what do you think....

10th gear
https://freeimage.host/i/EIGO12

No compression https://freeimage.host/i/EIGjs4

Full compression https://freeimage.host/i/EIGVbs

Sorry tried the image button but doing something wrong 🙈😁


 
Posted : 05/03/2022 7:44 am
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That’s too tight for my liking - especially at full compression.

In 10th you’ve also got scope for the chain to be longer without an issue.


 
Posted : 05/03/2022 8:59 am
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Another 4 links or more do you think?


 
Posted : 05/03/2022 11:18 am
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The derailleur does look a wee bit stretched when compressed in lowest gear but adding 4 links would take you beyond the length of most standard 10 speed chains which come in at 114 or 116 links.

If was me would probably try to find a 116 link standard chain and just run it to see if is OK e.g.
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-deore-hg54-hg-x-10-speed-chain

Ebike specific chains are about twice this price e.g. the ex1 chain recommended above but the value is up to you and if you will get twice the life
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-pcex1-e-mtb-chain


 
Posted : 05/03/2022 3:23 pm
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I was thinking that once you add the split link to a sram chain it would also be 116 links?


 
Posted : 05/03/2022 9:09 pm
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Just ordered this but now only read the info properly....
Shimano chainring and Sunrace cassette, hopefully it will work lol
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sram-pcex1-10-speed-e-mtb-chain/rp-prod156340


 
Posted : 05/03/2022 10:16 pm

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