Best Bike Chains for Road Bikes of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Bike chains for road bikes are an essential part of any cyclist's gear. They provide the necessary connection between the pedals and the wheels, allowing for smooth and efficient power transfer. Road bike chains come in a variety of materials, including steel, titanium, and even ceramic. They also vary in length and number of links, so it's important to choose the right size for your bike. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your chain lasts as long as possible, including cleaning and lubrication. Whether you're a competitive racer or a weekend rider, a high-quality road bike chain is a must-have for optimal performance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

MARQUE 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Cover #TOP 1
MARQUE 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FGBNM 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Kit Cover #TOP 2
FGBNM 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bike Chain Kit, Multi-Function Mechanic Repair Kit Cover #TOP 3
Bike Chain Kit, Multi-Function Mechanic Repair Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Bike Chains for Road Bikes

MARQUE 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain

MCH-01
6/7/8 Speed Chain
MARQUE 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Cover
MARQUE 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain - Bicycle Chain for Road & Mountain Bike, Quick Link Included for Easy Installation, 1/2 x 3/32 inch, 116 Links - MTB Chains Replacement (1 Set, 6/7/8 Speed Chain)

MARQUE Speed Bike Chain is a high-quality and reliable chain designed for both road and mountain bikes. With its 6/7/8 speed compatibility, it is perfect for older bikes with 21 or 24 speed drivetrains. The chain comes with a quick link, making installation and replacement a breeze. Whether you have a Shimano or SRAM drivetrain, this chain will work seamlessly. The special forging steel used in its construction ensures its strength and durability, making it capable of withstanding intense riding conditions. Made in Taiwan, a renowned hub for cycling, you can trust the quality of this MARQUE bike chain.

What We Like
Easy installation
Compatible with multiple drivetrains
Strong and durable

FGBNM 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Kit

FG-0104
6/7/8 Speed
FGBNM 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Kit Cover
Single/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 Speed Bike Chain, Bike Chain for Road Mountain Racing Cycling(6/7/8 Speed Chan, 1 Set)

The FGBNM 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Kit is a high-quality chain kit designed for mountain bikes, road bikes, and other bicycles. With its double X bridge design, this chain offers improved tensile and torsional strength, ensuring smooth and efficient shifting between gears. Made of special forging steel, the chain is not only durable and wear-resistant but also rust and corrosion-resistant. Installing the chain is a breeze, thanks to its easy-to-use design. Simply adjust the length according to your bike chain, cut it with a chain cutter, and install it with a chain hook. The FGBNM Bike Chain Kit is a versatile and reliable choice for any cyclist.

What We Like
High-quality and durable
Easy to install
Improved shifting performance

Bike Chain Kit, Multi-Function Mechanic Repair Kit

RU-0124
Bike Chain Kit, Multi-Function Mechanic Repair Kit Cover
Bike Chain Kit, Single/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 Speed Multi-Function Bike Mechanic Repair Kit, Chain Breaker and Bike Link Plier with Hook and 6 Pairs Bicycle Buckle, Reusable (6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Kit)

The Bike Chain Kit includes 1 set of speed chain, bike link plier with hook, chain breaker and 6 pairs of bicycle chain buckle. Made of special forging steel, the chains are anti-rust, anti-corrosion, wear-resistant and durable. The Double X bridge design improves the tensile, torsional strength of the chain and have variable speed fluency improvement. The kit is easy to install and suitable for 6-speed, 7-speed, 8-speed road and mountain bikes.

What We Like
Efficient, accurate matching and labor-saving
Anti-rust, anti-corrosion, wear-resistant and durable chains
Double X bridge design improves the chain strength and speed fluency
#TOP 4

SHIMANO HG71 6/7/8-Speed Chain

ICNHG71116I
gray
116 Link
SHIMANO HG71 6/7/8-Speed Chain Cover
Shimano HG-71 Bicycle Chains CN-HG71 Bike Chain HG71 6 7 8 Speed ICNHG71116I

The SHIMANO 6/7/8 Chain is a versatile chain suitable for both road and mountain bikes. With a total of 116 links, this chain is compatible with 6, 7, and 8-speed drivetrains. The weight of this chain is 324g. The SHIMANO 6/7/8 Chain is designed to provide a smooth, reliable, and efficient shifting experience. The versatility of this chain means that it can be used on a variety of bikes, making it a great option for those who own multiple bikes or are looking for a reliable replacement chain. The 116 links ensure that the chain will fit most bikes, and its weight makes it a great option for those looking to minimize the weight of their bike.

What We Like
Versatile
Smooth shifting
Reliable
#TOP 5

SRAM PC-830 Bike Chain for 6/7/8-Speed Bikes

46.2758.114.005
SRAM PC-830 Bike Chain for 6/7/8-Speed Bikes Cover
SRAM PC-830 6/7/8-Speed Road/MTB Bike Chain 1/2" x 3/32" 114L fits Shimano Campy

The SRAM PC-830 Bike Chain is compatible with 6, 7, and 8-speed bikes and has 114 links, making it ideal for city, MTB, race, trekking, and hybrid bikes. The chain has a width of 7.1mm and a weight of 310g, and comes with a SRAM PowerLink included for easy installation and maintenance.

What We Like
Compatible with a wide range of bikes and speeds
Comes with a PowerLink for easy installation and maintenance
Has a sufficient number of links for different types of bikes
#TOP 6

HuGuWdy 6/7/8 Speed Bicycle Chain

HuGuWdy
6/7/8 Speed Chain
6/7/8 Speed Chain
HuGuWdy 6/7/8 Speed Bicycle Chain Cover
6/7/8 Speed Bicycle Chain 1/2" x 3/32" 116 Links Chain BMX Chain 7 Speed Bike Chain 8 Speed Chain 7 Speed Chain Mountain Bike Chain MTB Chain BMX Bike Chain for Road Mountain Bike/BMX/MTB

The HuGuWdy Bicycle Chain is a versatile option for 6, 7, and 8-speed bikes, featuring 116 links that allow you to customize the length to suit your ride. Its double X bridge design enhances strength and ensures smoother gear shifting, making your biking experience more enjoyable. Crafted from high-quality forged steel, this chain is designed to resist rust and wear, providing you with durability and long-lasting performance. Installation is straightforward, as you can easily adjust the chain length and install it with minimal tools, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.

What We Like
Compatible with multiple bike speeds
Durable forged steel construction
Smooth gear shifting
Easy installation process
#TOP 7

VGEBY 27 Speed Bike Chain for Mountain and Road Bikes

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VGEBY 27 Speed Bike Chain for Mountain and Road Bikes Cover
21/24/27 Speed Bike Chain Bicycle Chain Mountain Bike Chain Steel Cycling Hollow Out Chains for Road BMX Chain

VGEBY Bike Chain is compatible with 21/24/27 speed, suitable for most mountain and road bikes. Stretch-proof and anti-tear, the chain is designed with a hollow-out structure which makes it lightweight and easy to clean. Made of high-grade steel and coated with anti-rust material, the chain can prevent rust and increase its lifespan. You can also apply for an unconditional return and refund within 180 days if you are not satisfied with the product.

What We Like
Compatible with 21/24/27 speed and most mountain and road bikes
Stretch-proof and anti-tear design for longer lifespan
Hollow-out structure for lightweight and easy cleaning
Anti-rust coating to prevent rust and increase lifespan
Unconditional return and refund within 180 days
#TOP 8

Tailcle Gold 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain

Tailcle
mountain bike chain
Tailcle Gold 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Cover
Tailcle Gold Bike Chain 6/7/8 Speed, Bicycle Chain 1/2x3/32 Inch 116 Links, Special Steel MTB BMX Mountain Bicycle Chain for Road Mountain Racing Cycling Bike

The Tailcle Gold Bike Chain is designed for 6, 7, and 8-speed bicycles, making it a versatile choice for various types of bikes, including road and mountain models. Its durable steel construction provides exceptional strength, ensuring it withstands tough riding conditions. The chain is also rust and corrosion resistant, thanks to its advanced triple-layer plating, so you can ride in different weather without worry. Installation is a breeze with the included quick-connect buckles, allowing you to easily secure the chain without any tools, saving you time and effort.

What We Like
Wide compatibility
High durability
Rust resistant
Easy installation
#TOP 9

KWCHIAN 10 Speed Bike Chain Kit

kwchian
KWCHIAN-01
10 Speed Chain Kit
KWCHIAN 10 Speed Bike Chain Kit Cover
KWCHIAN Bike/E-Bike Chain Kit 8/9/10/11 Speed Chain - Road & Mountain Bicycle Chain for Shimano SRAM Campagnolo -Silver Black(Individually Packaged Quick Link(1 Set, 10 Speed Chain Kit)

The KWCHIAN Bike Chain Kit is designed for durability and efficiency. Made from specially forged steel, this chain offers impressive wear resistance, ensuring it can handle the rigors of both road and mountain biking. With an ultimate tensile strength of 1500KG, you can trust it for long rides. The PVD rust prevention process enhances its corrosion resistance, making it ideal for various weather conditions. Additionally, it is compatible with major brands like Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo, allowing you to easily fit it onto your bike. Regular maintenance every 1000km will help you maximize its lifespan.

What We Like
Durable forged steel construction
Excellent rust resistance
Compatible with major brands
Long cycling distance
#TOP 10

Hycline Bike Chain 6/7/8 Speed

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Half Hollow-Gold
Hycline Bike Chain 6/7/8 Speed Cover
Hycline Bike Chain 6/7/8 Speed,Half Hollow Lightweight Bicycle Chains for Road Bike/MTB/BMX,1/2 x 3/32 Inch 116 Links-Gold

Hycline Chain is a lightweight half hollow chain designed for 6/7/8 speed bikes. With 116 links and a 1/2"x3/32" size, it is compatible with racing, road, and mountain bikes. The electroplating gold/silver surface treatment enhances wear resistance and anti-rust properties. The special heat treatment of all parts enhances rigidity and toughness. The outer chamfer design helps avoid teeth interference, resulting in smoother shifting and a more stable ride. The lightweight porous design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. Hycline Chain comes with two quick connect buckles for easy installation. Its compact design makes it portable, so you can take it anywhere.

What We Like
Compatible with multiple bike types
Enhanced wear resistance and anti-rust properties
Smooth shifting for a stable ride
Lightweight porous design for easy cleaning
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all road bike chains the same?

Differences can cause variations in shifting performance between brands and models. Additionally, chains will vary in the quality of steel used. Better chains that are more durable and longer lasting tend to have harder rivets. Riding a bike tends to wear and thin the rivet as it is pulled against the inner plates.

2. What size chain do I need for my road bike?

If your bike is equipped with the derailleur, you need a 3/32″ or 11/128″ chain. If you have a single-speed or internally geared bike, you need either 1/8″ or 3/32″. You should get the correct size, but if it is not possible, you can get the 1/8″ because it has limited compatibility with the 3/32″ sprocket.

3. Do all bike chains fit all bikes?

No. Not all makes and models of bike chains fit on all bikes. Most modern bike chains are made to the one-half inch pitch, but this dosn't mean all chains fit all bikes.

4. Is MTB chain compatible with road bike?

Road and MTB chains are interchangeable when they are of similar length and designed for the same number of speeds.

Editor's Notes

During our bike chain for road bikes research, we found 24 bike chain for road bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 22,877 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike chains for road bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike chains for road bikes with an average price of $13.82.

The bike chains for road bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike chains for road bikes, including MARQUE, FGBNM, RUBY.Q, SHIMANO, SRAM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 171 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

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.