Chains: 520, 525, etc....

[avguy]

Hey everyone,

Would someone here on this awesome forum be willing to explain to me the difference between the different chain types or sizes. Not really sure what they mean. I've owned a lot of bikes over the years and have never had to replace a chain. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section. Thanks in advance for your responses.


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[Dmitry]

the number represents pitch and width of the chain. There are variety of chains out there but at the moment 520 and 525 are the most common sizes and for that reason they are cheaper

748-916 came with 520 (5 pitch 20 width)
996 came with 525, same pitch but wider (25 mm I guess?)

I have a 530 on one of the bikes and I thing the pitch is different so I'm not 100% sure about the middle number, but I'm sure if you care to know you can Google it!

you can use 525 chain with 520 sprocket but not the other way, wider 525 sprocket does not fit narrow 520 chain.

Replacing is recommended as a set anyway, so just pick up the one you want.

525 will take more power but it's also heavier, most people run 520 on the race bikes trying to save weight.

[avguy]

Thanks Dmitry!


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[davy.j]

520 = 5/8" pitch x 1/4" wide (inside measurement between plates)
525 = 5/8" pitch x 5/16" wide
530 = 5/8" pitch x 3/8" wide

Simple