Best Mountain Bike Chainrings of 2026
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Mountain bike chainrings are an essential component of any bike's drivetrain system. They are the toothed gears that are mounted on the crankset and work together with the chain to transfer power from the pedals to the rear wheel. Mountain bike chainrings come in various sizes and shapes, and their selection depends on the rider's preference and the terrain they are riding on. Some chainrings are designed to provide more torque for climbing steep hills, while others are designed for high-speed descents. They are made from different materials such as aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber, each with its unique pros and cons. Overall, mountain bike chainrings play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient ride on any terrain.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 6 Mountain Bike Chainrings
Yuauy Chainring Bolts and Washers Set
The Yuauy Chainring Bolt Set is a versatile solution for your biking needs, compatible with single, double, and triple chainrings. Made from high-quality steel for durability and aluminum alloy for lightweight washers, this set ensures reliable performance. Installation is a breeze, allowing you to spend less time setting up and more time riding. With multiple sizes available for both the bolts and washers, you can easily find the right fit for your road or mountain bike. This set provides the convenience and reliability you need for a smooth cycling experience.
BUCKLOS Bike Chainring Set with Pin
BUCKLOS Bike Chainring Set with Pin is made from high quality material, providing superior rigidity, lightweight and durability. Featuring irregular teeth and concave-convex design, it ensures smooth and fast shifts. Available in 4 types of double/triple MTB chainring set,which are compatible with 8-10 speed. Highly cost effective and trustworthy brand.
Pro Bamboo Kitchen 5pcs MTB Chainring Screw
Upgrade your bike with the Pro Bamboo Kitchen MTB Chainring Screw. These 4.9mm fixing bolts are perfect for single chainwheels and are made of high-quality anodizing 1018 steel. With their light weight and high hardness, these bolts provide a large twisting force while adding a touch of style with their bright color. The high precision thread and easy installation make them a breeze to use with simple tools. Whether you're refitting or repairing your MTB, mountain bike, or road bike, these chainring screws are a sturdy and durable choice that will resist rust, corrosion, and impact.
Boao Chainring for Road and Mountain Bikes
The Boao Chainring 104 BCD comes in 32T, 34T, 36T, and 38T sizes, making it suitable for XC off-road or AM FR DH bicycles with steep slopes. Made of lightweight T6 alloy, it features positive and negative teeth to prevent chain dropping and can reduce weight by up to 1 kg. The narrow wide tooth design increases chain retention, protects the frame from scratches, and reduces friction and noise. It also makes a practical gift for bike enthusiasts.
Bibike Single Speed Conversion Kit 17T Cassette
The Bibike Single Speed Kit is designed to easily convert your bike to a single speed setup. It works with Shimano or Sram cassette bodies ranging from 8 to 11 speeds, so you can use it on many mountain or road bikes. The kit supports various chain widths, from 6-speed to 11-speed chains, giving you flexibility in your bike's drivetrain. Included in the package are a 17T cassette and several spacers, which help you adjust the fit perfectly for your bike. This makes installation straightforward and convenient, allowing you to customize your ride with ease.
CYSKY Single Chainring Bolts
The CYSKY Chainring Bolts are a lightweight and durable solution for your bike's chainring needs. Made of 7075 aluminum alloy, these bolts are super lightweight, weighing only 1.6g each. They are designed to fit universal single chainrings or chainwheels, making them versatile for use on road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX, MTB, and fixies. With a nut shaft diameter of 10mm and a length of 4.5mm, and a bolt head diameter of 8mm and a length of 6mm, these chainring bolts are easy to install and provide a secure fit. The package includes 5 chainring bolts, ensuring you have enough for your bike. Upgrade your bike's chainring with the CYSKY Chainring Bolts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know which chainring to buy?
When buying a replacement chainring for your mountain bike, it's important to consider the bolt circle diameter (BCD) of the crankset. The replacement chainring should have the same BCD and bolt positioning as the crankset to ensure a proper fit. The BCD also determines the smallest compatible chainring size. For example, if your crankset has a 130mm BCD, the smallest compatible chainring would be a 38t.
2. Are oval chainrings better for MTB?
Oval chainrings have been proven to offer some benefits for mountain biking. They can increase force effectiveness by up to 9%, reduce oxygen consumption by up to 7%, decrease ventilation (breathing) by up to 15%, and lower heart rate by up to 10% compared to round chainrings. These advantages make oval chainrings a desirable option for some MTB riders.
3. Why do pros not use oval chainrings?
One reason why some professional riders do not use oval chainrings is the potential impact on the knees. Some riders experience knee pain due to the acceleration and deceleration of the legs caused by the 'whiplash effect' of oval chainrings. As cycling is meant to be easy on the knees, this issue is a significant concern for professionals, leading them to opt for round chainrings instead.
During our mountain bike chainring research, we found 24 mountain bike chainring products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,113 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mountain bike chainrings list. We found that most customers choose mountain bike chainrings with an average price of $15.07.
The mountain bike chainrings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mountain bike chainrings, including Yuauy, BUCKLOS, Pro Bamboo Kitchen, Boao, Bibike. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 21 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.