To keep your bike in top shape, it's important to lubricate the chain regularly. Here's how to do it properly: It is treated with SHIMANO’s SIL-TEC low friction chain surface treatment. Superior to simple coating, SIL-TEC is an advanced surface treatment on the pin and roller link plate for improved durability and system performance through the use of imbedded fluorine particles. SIL-TEC treated products run smoother and wear longer in all conditions. Shimano also makes a Linkglide chain that is designed for use with electric bikes with 10 or 11 speeds, although it can be used with its Hyperglide drivetrains as well as the ebike-specific Linkglide. This has a different link shape, designed to handle the extra power provided by the electric motor. The inner link of a bike chain is narrower than the outer link, with a narrower space between the links. That’s used in single-ring drivetrains to ensure a robust connection between the chain and the teeth on the chainring, by having alternating wide and narrow chainring teeth.

Replacing your bike chain on a regular basis not only helps eliminate frustrating rides where you stop to adjust your chain but newer chains are better for your bike, overall. A:Regular cleanings are crucial for optimal performance in maintaining your bike's chain. How often you should clean your chain will vary based on factors such as the type of terrain you frequently ride on and the number of miles you put on your bike, but as a general rule of thumb, aim to clean it at least once every few rides or every couple of weeks. A:While WD-40 can effectively clean off a bike chain, it's not a good idea to use it as a lubricant. WD-40 is designed to displace water and wash away, leaving your chain unprotected. Instead, use a specialized bike chain lubricant. Conclusion While we touched briefly on the speed bike chain measurements, we’ll discuss other sizing a little more in depth.

Bosch

So, do electric bicycles with mid-drive motors require a special chain? Yes. It’s not that the chain needs to operate differently; it is just that the chain needs to be a lot stronger and durable. E-bikes with mid-drive motors usually have stronger, premium chains, which can add the to cost of an ebike. Why Don’t Hub Motors Strain the Chain? Rather than referring us to the owner’s manual Specialized did provide some specific e-bike cleaning tips. Sil-Tec surface treatment technology (PTFE plating) on the pin and roller link platefor improved running and durability Today’s bikes use chains with a ½ inch pitch. A pitch is the distance from one pin to another. While the widths will vary, depending on the speed of the bike, you can always rely on a half-inch pitch. Whether you prefer to move the chain from the front or take your rear wheel off of your bike, you are removing tension from the chain, which will make the whole process much easier. Master Link or Standard?

Before you put your chain through the rear derailleur, pull the two ends of the chain together, so it's a snug fit. This should give you the correct bike chain length. You should have two chain links (or one-inch) of overlap and an extra half link where you will connect the chain. Did you know that regularly lubricating your electric bike can improve its performance and extend its lifespan? It's true! Like any machine with moving parts, an e-bike needs regular maintenance to function at its best. Plus, who doesn't want their ride to feel smooth and effortless? That's why lubing and servicing your ebike chain is crucial.Things get more complicated with the width side-to-side of bike chains. As component brands have increased the number of speeds in their drivetrains, they’ve added the extra gears needed in two ways: first, the freehub that holds the cassette in place on the rear wheel has been made wider. In the past, chains of the same speed could typically be mixed between manufacturers, although this is generally not the case as you head up to modern 11-, 12- and 13-speed chains, where the designs are often more specific to the brand.

Whether you have an e-bike specific chain or not, make sure you maintain your chain properly. You should clean your chain often – this won’t take long, as all you need is a simple cloth and degreaser spray. This is best done every day. You should also lube your chain every day. Don’t let your chain get to this point! The company says you shouldn’t be too vigorous on the more sensitive parts of your e-bike, like the electrical components, bearings, motors, seals, and hubs and always use a soft brush. MBR’s take on it Standard bike chains are designed for human power output, not mid-drive motor power outputs. The torque from a mid-drive motor goes directly to the chain. Human power output combined with a mid-drive motor power output can put a lot of stress on the chain. They can snap when used on an electric bike that has a mid-drive motor and that’s something you don’t want to happen on your ride. It puts the motor and human power out of commission.As we mentioned earlier, there are many helpful "how to" videos that can guide you through the process if you need a little more help. If you choose the right bike chain, you should have minimal issues with using and installing them on your bicycle. Bike Chain Maintenance When you get a new chain for your bicycle, you should be too hung up on the length. As long as there are around 116 links, you should have more than enough to properly size your chain. In most cases, a bike chain is too long, an you end up having to shorten the chain. Many cyclists size their chains by running the chain through the front derailleur and then drape the chain over the big chainring in the front and the big cog in the rear. While we will walk you through some of the most basic steps for sizing and tightening a new bike chain, it's always a good idea to watch some of the great videos that are available online.