BMX Chains

Acquire a Dependable Freestyle BMX Chain

The primary duty of a chain on a freestyle BMX bike is to transfer the rider's pedal effort to the rear wheel. It must be a robust and long-lasting component to withstand the rigorous demands of freestyle BMX.

Half Link vs. Single-Speed BMX Chain

When the need arises to replace your worn-out BMX chain, an important consideration is whether to opt for a half link chain or a single-speed chain. A half link chain features links that function as both inner and outer links, in contrast to single-speed chains, which have distinct inner and outer links. Each type offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

The primary benefit of a half link chain is the precision it offers when adjusting the chain length. The half links enable extension or reduction of the chain length by half a link at a time, allowing finer adjustments to the rear wheel's position. However, the drawback is that the thicker side plates result in a heavier chain compared to the single-speed variant.

The single-speed chain offers a lighter alternative. If minimising weight is a priority, this option is worth considering. Its design has been around since bicycles were first created, making it a highly trustworthy choice. When adjusting the chain length, changes can only be made by two and a half links at a time, which means the minor adjustments available with half-link chains are not possible.

Which Chain is Suitable for My BMX?

BMX bike chains typically have a width of 1/8 of an inch, making it the prevalent choice for freestyle BMX bikes. Some BMX racers prefer a chain with a width of 3/32 or 3/16 inch, which is particularly narrow and therefore lighter—a significant factor for some riders. Nonetheless, most freestyle riders favour the standard 1/8 chain.

To remove and add links on chains, chainbreakers are essential. These, along with many other handy items, can be found in our BMX Bike Tools section.