This article explains bicycle chain compatibility – which chains can be combined with which number of “speeds” (cassettes and cranks). From one to 12 speeds.
If you have any questions (or additions and corrections), please use the BikeGremlin forum’s compatibility section:
https://www.bikegremlin.net/forums/bike-compatibility/
Before you start, to avoid any misunderstanding:
please take the 5 minutes needed to read the compatibility articles use instructions.
Table Of Contents (T.O.C.):
- Basic bicycle chain facts
- Single-speed chains
- Five, 6, 7 and 8-speed chains
- 9 speeds
- 10 speeds
- 11 speeds
- 12 speeds
- Symmetrical vs asymmetrical chains
- Chain width standards table
TL/DR
Briefly put: you can use chains for more speeds with fewer-speed cassettes (and front chainrings), but not vice versa (at least not with cassettes – front chainrings are more forgiving for any mismatch).
For example: an 11-speed chain works fine on a 9-speed cassette (and cranks), but a 9-speed chain won’t be OK on an 11-speed cassette.
I’ve also explained the chain pitch, construction, and brielfy discussed symmetrical vs asymmetrical chains and added a table with chain widths depending on the number of “speeds.” You can use the table of contents to skip to the parts of interest.
1. Basic bicycle chain facts
All the bicycle chains share the same pitch of half an inch.
Where chains differ is the width. The more speeds, the narrower chain. Single-speed chains are the widest, both on the outside, and the inner roller width. They have a roller width of 1/8″ (3.175 mm).
The inner roller width of all the multi-speed chains is almost the same, being:
- Single-speed chains have an inner width of 1/8″ (3.175 mm).
- Multi-speed chains, from 5 to 8 speeds have an inner width of 3/32″ (2.38 mm).
- Multi-speed chains from 9 to 12 speeds have an inner width of 11/128″ (2.18 mm).
- An “exotic” standard for freight bicycles is a chain width of 5/32″ (4 mm).
Where they differ significantly is the outer width.
C – outer width at the joining link (for single speed chains)
Campagnolo 11 speed, SRAM 10 speed, Shimano 9 sp, SRAM 6/7/8 sp, old 5 speed, 1/8″ single speed chain.
Note how rollers of all the multispeed chains are almost of the same width.
- A detailed overview of dimension standards is in the post: Bicycle drive chain standard dimensions.
- Post giving full view and explanation of bicycle chain construction (parts): Bicycle chain wear (elongation).
- See this great post by “Graeme_FK” on the Cycle Chat forum for an in-detail explanation of the “fine print” in terms of Campagnolo vs Shimano vs SRAM vs 1x chain compatibility and size differences.
How to connect and disconnect chains, with or without using quick links, video demonstration:
2. Single-speed chains
Single-speed chains are the widest of all. Both by the outer and the inner roller width: 1/8″ (3.175 mm) wide, compared to 3/32″ (2.38 mm) multi-speed ones. Since single speed chain is by far the cheapest, there is no need to experiment with multi-speed chains. However, 6 to 8-speed chains can fit some single speed bicycles – depending on the chainring width.
3. Five, 6, 7 and 8-speed chains
A 7.1 mm wide 8-speed chain* will fit all the other systems (5, 6 and 7-speed ones). Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo all use the same chain with 8 speeds. The chain for 7 speeds is a bit wider – 7.3 mm, while a 6-speed one is substantially wider – 7.8 mm. That is why the reverse is not the case and a 7-speed chain and especially a 6-speed one will not work very well on an 8-speed system.
* Based on my most recent measurements, 8-speed chain widths vary from 7 mm (SRAM PC-830), to 7.3 mm (KMC X-8). Also, some manufacturers (like KMC) make their 6, 7, and 8-speed chains using the same width of 7.3 mm. This (and my personal experience with 7.3 mm wide KMC chains) leads me to conclude that 7.3 mm wide chains work fine for 8 speed cassettes. Also, as noted in this article, using a narrower chain works fine in practice (hence, the 7.3 mm wide chain runs fine on a 6-speed cassette). However, don’t let this “fool you” into using any 6-speed chain on an 8-speed cassette, since you might run into a 7.8 mm wide chain (i.e. “a proper 6-speed chain”), which won’t work very nice on an 8-speed cassette (haven’t tried it on a 7-speed one, but generally, extra-wide chains don’t fare very well, while narrower ones usually run without any problems).
Of others, 9-speed chains can work. They’re a bit narrower than optimal, but can be used. The reverse is not wise, since a wider 5 – 8 speed chain can get stuck between narrower 9-speed sprockets.
Going further narrower, like a 10, or 11-speed chain on an 8-speed cassette can and often does work.
I’ve had good results even with running a 10-speed chain on a 7-speed cassette and cranks.
However, especially with older 6-speed cassettes combined with 11, or 12-speed chains, there is a risk of the chain getting stuck between the cassette sprocket teeth and/or poorer shifting.
An exception is SRAM 1x systems, for DH MTB bicycles – they have 7 rear sprockets, but use an 11-speed chain!
4. 9 speeds
The chain width is about 6.7 mm. In a pinch, a 10-speed chain can be used. Still, the narrower chain is more expensive, doesn’t last as long *1 and might cause a bit slower shifting… but it will work. Problems generally occur at the rear – on cassettes. Front chainrings are less sensitive to the thickness of the chain used.
Otherwise, all the 9-speed chains will work well, regardless of the manufacturer: Campagnolo, SRAM and Shimano.
5. 10 speeds
The chain width is 5.88 mm. Same as for 9 speeds: all the manufacturers can be mixed and a chain for one speed more can be used in a pinch – an 11 -speed chain in this case.
6. 11 speeds
The chain width is 5.62 mm. 11-speed chains of all the manufacturers are mutually compatible.
Since 10 and 11-speed chains (as well as cassette teeth) have almost the same widths, a 10-speed chain can be used instead of an 11 speed-one, without it jamming between the sprockets. However, this will still not work perfectly and will cause premature sprocket wear, so better to avoid it.
The exception are Shimano Hyperglide+ chains, which work only with Hyperglide+ cassettes, whether they are 11, or 12-speed (the same chain is used) – according to Shimano, haven’t put that to the test.
7. 12 speeds
Chain width is 5.25 mm. Made by SRAM, and (from mid-2018) by Shimano for their 12-speed MTB groupsets (for now), and Campagnolo (who only make road groupsets). They generally work with fewer speed systems, with two “catches:”
- SRAM Flattop chains might skip on cassettes that are not SRAM AXS road cassettes (they have a bit larger diameter rollers and can skip on “normal” cassettes, including SRAM Eagle MTB cassettes).
- Shimano Hyperglide+ 11 and 12-speed chains work nicely only with Hyperglide+ chainrings and cassettes.
8. Symmetrical vs asymmetrical chains
Shimano is, as far as I know, the only manufacturer that makes asymmetrical chains (as well as regular, symmetrical ones). The advantage of an asymmetrical chain is easier and quicker shifting from the small to the large front chainring and vice versa.
The picture above shows how the asymmetrical chain doesn’t have the same outer plates for the “outer” and “inner” (towards the bicycle) side.
When Shimano first introduced asymmetrical chains for road double chainrings, it was recommended not to use them on triple chainrings. They still, however, work well on triple chainrings as well.
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9. Chain width standards table
Table of chain outer widths:
(this table is for the readers’ convenience – an up-to-date table is in the article about bicycle chain standards)
| Chain no. of speeds | Outer width in mm |
|---|---|
| All 6-speed | 7.8 |
| All 7-speed | 7.3 |
| All 8-speed | 7 ~ 7.3 * |
| All 9-speed | 6.5 – 6.7 |
| 10-speed old Campagnolo | 6.2 |
| All other 10-speed | 5.84 – 6.1 |
| All 11-speed | 5.46 – 5.74 ** |
| SRAM 12-speed MTB | 5.25 |
| Shimano 12-speed MTB and 13-speed chains | See the table in the article about Bicycle chain standards (it’s more accurate when updating info in one place only) |
** Related to 11-speed, see the two comments by Klaus here (thanks for the valuable feedback),
until I double-check and confirm.
Related post – How to shorten a new chain to size when mounting:
Compatibility posts are also available in eBook (printable and Kindle) and paperback editions on Amazon:
If you have any questions (or additions and corrections), please use the BikeGremlin forum’s compatibility section:
https://www.bikegremlin.net/forums/bike-compatibility/
The existing comments regarding this article (questions and answers) have been moved to this BikeGremlin forum thread:
https://www.bikegremlin.net/threads/compatibility-01-chains-article-comments.102/
- I did a bicycle chain durability test and concluded that, in practice, chain durability depends on its build quality, not on its number of speeds (i.e. its thickness). ↩︎
Last updated:
Originally published:
Chain width for Campy Ekar 13 speed chain= 4.9mm
Hi,
Thanks for the feedback.
I need to update most of the articles with the latest stuff that came out.
Relja
Hi Relja
The chart you have says all 8 speed chains have 7.3mm pin length, But my Allez bike came from factory with a KMC X8 silver/grey chain which is 7.3mm. AFAIK all the X8 are 7.3mm.
I have several questions.
1) Can i use a chain like the SRAM 870 which is 7.1mm with my bike or would that cause issues?
2) In an emergency situation, would a 7.1mm link work with 7.3mm chain?
3) Its almost time to change the chain and i was thinking on upgrading to the X8 silver (8.99) which is just like 3-4 extra bucks, and I saw KMC has the X8 EPT Eco Proteq which has an extra rust treatment. The EPT would be an extra 12 bucks over the one I have now. Is it really worth it as mine doesnt have any rust?
thanks!
Hi Alejandro,
1) I would expect any 8-speed chain to work on an 8-speed drivetrain.
2) If the outer plates of links are not the same width, I would expect problems with connecting them.
3) KMC X series chains have served me well. I go for the cheapest available (no fancy plated stuff if at all possible).
I have a 1x 11 speed shimano cassette with a Raceface 1x narrow/wide cinch chainring. I have just replaced an old worn chain with a new 11 speed shimano chain which has resulted in a lot of noise from the chainring side and jumping gears. There’s no wear on the cassette.
I have heard that the Raceface chainrings are incompatible with HG chains. Do you know if that is true and if so do you have any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Kevin,
I’m not sure if the Race Face Cinch chainring is designed for Hyperglide+ chains (they make such models as well) – in which case it makes some sense for it to work “strangely” with a Hyperglide (i.e. non-Hyperlide+) chain.
If it isn’t a HG+ chainring, it should work fine with a HG chain.
If I understood correctly:
– The bike was running fine with the Raceface n/w chainring + 11-speed Shimano cassette + some 11-speed chain.
– The chain was replaced with a new 11-speed Shimano Hyperglide chain (not the latest Hyperglide+ ?).
– Now there’s a lot of noise and “gears are jumping.”
New chains can skip on a worn cassette. Cassette wear is often not visible (unless it’s really severe, way, way past the new-chain-skipping point).
However, if by “jumping gears” you mean gear changes without shifting, that’s a different matter, and you can disregard this first suggestion.
Still, it’s worth using a phone to record in slow motion (120 or, even better, 240 frames per second) what happens when you step on it. Most phones from the last 5+ years are capable of making such recordings in daylight. Sometimes it helps pinpoint where the chain skips and how exactly. This could eliminate a lot of troubleshooting guesswork.
Another problem cause could be a RD out of tune, or bent RD hanger (sometimes problems can overlap, one thing goes out of whack at/near the time something is replaced on a bike).
Hi Relja,
total noob question here.
I have Shimano 8 speed, old C201 front and rear derailleur.
It takes a 7.1 mm chain apparently e.g. Shimano HG50.
I see on websites selling 8 speed chains where in the specs the chain is listed as being 7.3 mm.
Huh?
e.g. the KMC website. When you look at the specs for their 8 speed and 7 speed chains you see that both are listed as being 7.3 mm. But your article and e.g. Shimano documentation says that that is not the correct width for a 8 speed.
https://www.kmcchain.eu/chain-bike-derailleur#speed8
Any idea what is going on?
cheers!
Dan
Hi Dan,
I’m not sure.
For what it’s worth, I know that KMC X-8 chains run fine with 6, 7, and 8 speed cassettes, because I’ve used them with such drivetrains (KMC X8 is one of my favourite locally available chain models).
I also know that chain being narrower is not a problem – my commuter bike currently runs a Shimano Ultegra 10-speed chain with a 7-speed cassette and some old, 8-speed cranks. No problems whatsoever.
But a chain that is too wide doesn’t work well. Is the X8 really 7.3 mm wide? I’d have to measure one. If it turns out to be correct, then my only conclusion would be that the 0.2 mm is not enough of a difference to cause any problems (edit: at least for up to 8 speed cassettes). Perhaps KMC have figured that out and decided to cut costs by making all their 6 to 8 speed chains with the same width. I can see their 6-speed chains showing also a 7.3 mm width. But that’s not confusing, because I know that a narrower chain is not a problem.
The only way to confirm is to measure some new chains that are sold as 8-speed.
Hi guys,for what its worth i also did read much stuff on shimano website about 8 speed chain widths,they do say that their 8 speed chain is 7.1 mm wide but my new hg40 8 speed chain measures 7.3 mm wide and the kmc quicklink that fits the chain is also 7.3mm wide,kmc says the quicklink is an exact fit for the shimano hg 40 chain,i think the stated 7.1 mm on shimanos site could be either a mis-print or data for a much older 8 speed chain,my kmc quicklink fits the shimano hg 40 chain perfectly cheers