9 best bike chain for 18 speed

A bike chain for an 18-speed bicycle is a crucial component related to cycling, outdoor recreation, and sports outdoors. Here's some information about bike chains for 18-speed bikes:

Compatibility: Bike chains for 18-speed bicycles are designed to work with bikes equipped with three chainrings in the front and six gears in the rear. This setup provides a total of 18 different gear combinations, allowing cyclists to adjust their pedaling resistance to various terrains and riding conditions.
Size: The size of a bike chain is crucial for proper functionality. Chains come in various widths, but 18-speed bikes generally use a standard 3/32-inch width chain. It's important to ensure that the chain you choose matches the specifications of your bike's drivetrain.
Material: Bike chains are commonly made from materials like steel or alloy. High-quality chains are often constructed with durable and rust-resistant materials to ensure longevity and smooth shifting.
Chain Speed: When selecting a bike chain, it's essential to match the chain's speed with the speed of your bike's drivetrain. In this case, an 18-speed bike requires an 18-speed chain.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance of your bike chain is crucial for longevity and smooth gear shifting. Regularly cleaning, lubricating, and checking for wear are essential steps to ensure your chain functions optimally.
Chain Tools: To install or replace a bike chain, you may need specific chain tools, such as a chain breaker or chain whip. These tools help with removing and installing the chain, as well as sizing it to fit your bike properly.
Replacement: Over time, bike chains can wear out due to use and exposure to the elements. If you notice skipping gears, excessive noise, or visible wear on your chain, it's advisable to replace it to maintain efficient and safe cycling.
Installation: Installing a new chain requires careful attention to detail.You'll need to thread it through the derailleur pulleys and over the chainrings, ensuring the proper tension and alignment for smooth shifting. If you're unsure about this process, it's a good idea to consult a professional bike mechanic.
Chain Brands: Various reputable bike chain brands offer high-quality options suitable for 18-speed bicycles. Some well-known brands include Shimano, SRAM, KMC, and Campagnolo, among others. Choose a chain that matches your specific needs and budget.

In conclusion, a bike chain for an 18-speed bicycle is an essential component that allows cyclists to switch between multiple gear combinations for different riding conditions. It's crucial to choose the right chain size, material, and speed rating, as well as to perform regular maintenance to ensure smooth and reliable performance during your outdoor adventures. If you're unsure about replacing or maintaining your bike chain, consider seeking assistance from a professional bike mechanic.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bike chain for 18 speed on the market

KMC X8.99/X8 Bicycle Chain (1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Silver)

KMCA0

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

• Extra Stretch Proof mushroomed pins enhance durability • Compatible with Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo 6-7-8 speed systems • Comes with a reusable KMC Missing Link 8 (7.3mm) • Full nickel plating • Width: 7.3mm • Weight: 315g

18/21/24 speed
Stretch proof. Inner Plate Chamferring
Colour: silver
Model "X8" and "X8.99" are the same.

User questions & answers

Question:	For my 7 speed mountain bike should i use this chain(kmc x8.99) or sram pc 870. which is better
Answer:	The KMC X8.99 chain has all the inner and outer links nickel plated whereas the SRAM pc 870 is only chrome plated on the outer links, so the KMC chain is less likely to rust and looks much better on your bike.
Question:	Does this come with a connecting pin, chain link or is that extra
Answer:	comes with a Masterlink which will connect the 2 ends. Pretty easy, best if you use a set of needle nose pliers or any pliers pretty much. Make sure you match the length to your present chain and remove or add links as required, if this is your case you need a good quality chain breaker/riveter. On some of these KMC chains even though lighter appearing don't be deceived, the pins are tight and I have broken the cheapee LBS chain breakers. On one of the hollow pin KMC chains, which I Love and use almost exclusively, I even broke one of the small pocket ParkTool chain breakers. These things are well built. Hope this helps...Good Luck..Mo
Question:	Is it true that "since the plates on the sides are beveled at the edges, it's eating up the teeth of my aluminum cogs pretty quick
Answer:	It's never a good idea, when your wife asks, "Does this dress make my butt look fat?", to respond, "No, honey, your butt makes your butt look fat." However, in this case, the answer has to be, "No honey, your aluminum cog is eating up the teeth of your aluminum cog.". Aluminum is a soft material, chosen for low weight, and the trade-off for low weight and performance is longevity. It's barely acceptable for daily use on chainrings, where the load is distributed over many more teeth and the chain engagement angles are relatively shallow. In cassette cogs, where the pressure is distributed over few teeth and the chain engagement angles are greater, wear issues are going to be more pronounced. As others have noted, your chain spends nearly all of its working life on the rollers, and only a tiny fraction of the time shifting, where any side plate configuration could possibly be an issue. Some stray thoughts: 1) Cleanliness may or may not be next to godliness, but it matters in drive train components. I've seen chains with thousands of miles on them that looked new. They were running on old bikes with fully enclosed chain-cases. That's impractical for derailleur bikes, but it does emphasize just how much of a role road grit plays in drive train wear. I've had to get fanatical about drive train maintenance since moving to Central Florida - we don't really have soil here. In reality, it's ancient beach sand. Very abrasive ancient beach sand, and that's the road dust here. I get significantly more drive train wear since moving here, and it's not from climbing mountain passes. And keep in mind - road grit aside, if your cogs are wearing, those microscopic bits and chunks of aluminum are just going around the chain, over and over, eating more surface off the cogs - cleaning them out of the chain can only help matters. 2) Get a steel cassette and save the aluminum for race day. (I'd suggest the same for tires - why wear out your expensive race kit just training and running around town?) 3) Change your perspective. Are you a competitive racer? If not, do you actually need the lightest components to get to the store or your work 72 seconds faster? If those few seconds are critical, then maybe you'll have to get comfortable with the idea that your typical NASCAR Ford is going to need a little more maintenance and parts than your typical dealership Ford.
Question:	Can someone who OWNS this chain measure the width of the pin and the width of the plates (width across plates between pins) with a caliper or Micrometer and let me know the dimensions
Answer:	ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE IN INCHES AT ROOM TEMP +/- 0.001 INCHOUTER PLATES RANGE 0.26 to 0.29 INNER PLATE WIDTH (nominal: 3/32" OR 0.09375 ): range 0.0905 to 0.095PIN LENGTH (nominal 7.3mm 0.28762) : 0.283 PIN WIDTH (DIAMETER): 0.148 -so...what is the problem?? [email protected]

Product features

KMC X8.99/X8 Bicycle Chain

KMC OVERVIEW

KMC Chain has consistently devoted itself to the production of premium bicycle chains for over three decades. In 1986, KMC Chain signed a technical cooperation memorandum with the Japanese chain supplier Shimano Inc., establishing a solid partnership, which still stands today.

Yaban 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Teflon Chain 1/2" x 3/32" 116L, 18/21/24-Speed MTB/Road -Teflon Painted Black

YBN

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

AUTHENTIC YBN CHAIN MADE IN TAIWAN, NOT CHINA.
FOR 6/7/8 OR 18/21/24 MULTI-SPEED BICYCLES.
SIZE: 1/2"X3/32". LENGTH: 116L
COLOR: TEFLON PAINTED WHITE.
***NOT FOR SINGLE SPEED BICYCLES COMING WITH THE 1/2"X1/8" CHAIN.***

User questions & answers

Question:	will this work for a schwinn S3040wma 18speed bike
Answer:	Should
Question:	Will this fit a huffy rallye descent ladies 24" 18 speed mountain bike
Answer:	I put it on 18 speed mongoose mountain bike. I'm gonna say yes.
Question:	The title says "Brown/Brown" while the pic is sivler and in color under technical details it states multi. What is the actual color of this chain
Answer:	The one I received was a dull silver color.
Question:	How long is it
Answer:	it's 116 links at 1/2" pitch, so 116 / 2 = 58 inches
Question:	I have a power x next 18 speed bike, will this chain fit onto it
Answer:	Yes, if it is a triple front and 6-spd rear. But there is a fair chance you will need a chain-breaker to shorten it a link to match your bike.
Question:	Does this chain come with a master link? Do I need to buy a tool to install it on a bike with derailleur? Which tool is recommended for this chain
Answer:	Hi,Most new chains are designed with master locks (links). It is easy to install in this way without any tool but you need to remove old chain. You have two ways to do it: 1) Just cut it out; and 2) remove old chain using Topeak Super Bicycle Chain Tool ($14.00)or similar one. You can find out how to use it thru Youtube videos. Best,
Question:	Will this fit a 21 speed
Answer:	Yeah,our chain will fit but you will have to match the size,which means removing links.
Question:	Will this chain work on a hybrid bike
Answer:	Dear customer. Unfortunately, our bicycle chain is compatible for most mountain bike and road bike. F90 8/9 chain is suitable for 21/24/27 speed, hope you find a suitable chain for your hybrid bike. If you have other needs, you can take a look at our other products. If you have any questions, you can contact us again. We will answer you as soon as possible. I wish you a happy life.
Question:	Can someone tell me the width across plates between pins of the bicycle chain
Answer:	I know that the size of the chain is 9.8 * 5.9 * 3.9inch
Question:	Will this chain fit on a hybrid bike
Answer:	Dear customer. Unfortunately, our bicycle chain is compatible for most mountain bike and road bike. F90 8/9 chain is suitable for 21/24/27 speed, hope you find a suitable chain for your hybrid bike. If you have other needs, you can take a look at our other products. If you have any questions, you can contact us again. We will answer you as soon as possible. I wish you a happy life.

Product features

Hollow-out design

Hollow-out design of the bicycle chain delivers super light weight, also easy to get the internal silt out while during working period, difficult to get stuck.

With anti rust coating

The bicycle chain with a strong and reliable structure, durable for long term use.The anti rust coating can increase the chain life and reduce rust affecting the running of your chain.

Anti-wear and stretched-proof

The bicycle chain is stretched-proof and is able to withstand a little more wear and tear which means you can get more mileage of the bike chain.

KMC Z51RB Rust-Buster

INNER PLATE CHAMFERRING
RUSTBUSTER FUNCTION
Z BRIDGE SHAPE
½”x3/32”
116 Links

KMC OVERVIEW

Yosoo Health Gear FSC F90 8/9 Speed Bike Chain, 21/24/27 Speed 116 Links Steel High Strength Bike Derailleur Chain for Road Mountain Bike

Yosoo Health Gear

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

- Hollow-out design delivers super light weight, also easy to get the internal silt out while during working period, difficult to get stuck.

- High-grade steel construction is strong and reliable, durable for long term use.

- The anti rust coating can increase the chain life and reduce rust affecting the running of your chain.

- The chain is stretch-proof and is able to withstand a little more wear and tear which means you can get more mileage of the bike chain.

- Compatible for most mountain bike and road bike. F90 8/9 chain is suitable for 21/24/27 speed.

Specification:

Item Type: Bike Chain

Material: High-grade Steel

Optional Style: 27 Speed, 18-24 Speed

Size: Approx. 25 * 15 * 10cm / 9.8 * 5.9 * 3.9inch

Weight: Approx. 305-331g

Package List:

1 * Bike Chain

[Easy to Install]: Chain joints for the magic buckle, easy to disassemble, easy to clean and reusable
[Material]: High-grade steel construction is strong and reliable, durable for long term use
[High Performance]: The anti rust coating can increase the chain life and reduce rust affecting the running of your chain
[Compatibility]: Compatible for most mountain bike and road bike; F90 8/9 chain is suitable for 21/24/27 speed
[100% Satisfaction]: If you have any question about this item, please feel free to contact us, we will help you within 24 hours on weekdays

Yaban 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Teflon Chain 1/2" x 3/32" 116L, 18/21/24-Speed MTB/Road - Teflon Painted White

YBN

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

AUTHENTIC YBN CHAIN MADE IN TAIWAN, NOT CHINA.
FOR 6/7/8 OR 18/21/24 MULTI-SPEED BICYCLES.
SIZE: 1/2"X3/32". LENGTH: 116L
COLOR: TEFLON PAINTED WHITE.
***NOT FOR SINGLE SPEED BICYCLES COMING WITH THE 1/2"X1/8" CHAIN.***

Yaban 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Teflon Chain 1/2" x 3/32" 116L, 18/21/24-Speed MTB/Road - Teflon Painted Red

YBN

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price

AUTHENTIC YBN CHAIN MADE IN TAIWAN, NOT CHINA.
FOR 6/7/8 OR 18/21/24 MULTI-SPEED BICYCLES.
SIZE: 1/2"X3/32". LENGTH: 116L
COLOR: TEFLON PAINTED RED.
***NOT FOR SINGLE SPEED BICYCLES COMING WITH THE 1/2"X1/8" CHAIN.***

Annadue Practical Bike Chain, Cycle Chain, for 18, 21, 24 Speed Mountain Bicycles 6/7/8 Speed Flywheel

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Feature:

The product is made of high quality steel with good toughness, wear resistance and long service life. Every connector of the chain has been carefully dealt with, so it is not easy to fall off. The product can be used as a general chain to replace the chain of 6/7/8 speed flywheel. It is suitable for 18, 21, 24 speed mountain bicycles and road bicycles.

It is very suitable for replacing old or damaged chains on bicycles. Excellent workmanship ensures that the chain and gears are closely occluded.

Specification:

Model: IG51

Material: Metal

Weight: 316g / 11.1oz

Suitable bike: 6-7-8 Speed / Folding bicycle

Package list:

1 * Bicycle Chain

Note:

The actual product color may deviate from the photo due to light.

There may be a slight deviation in the measurement of product.

Every connector of the chain has been carefully dealt with, so it is not easy to fall off.
Excellent workmanship ensures that the chain and gears are closely occluded.
It is very suitable for replacing old or damaged chains on bicycles.
The product is made of high quality steel with good toughness, wear resistance and long service life.
The product can be used as a general chain to replace the chain of 6/7/8 speed flywheel. It is suitable for 18, 21, 24 speed mountain bicycles and road bicycles.

VGEBY Bicycle Chain, Bike Chain 21/24/27 Speed Cycling Chains Steel Bicycle Hollow-Out Chains Ultra-Light 10 Speed Bicycles 116 Links Chain for Road Mountain Bike(18-24 Speed) (Colorful)

VGEBY

Check latest price

★ SCIENTIFIC DESIGN: Hollow-out design delivers super light weight, also easy to get the internal silt out while during working period, difficult to get stuck.
★ EXCELLENT QUALITY: High-grade steel construction is strong and reliable, durable for long term use.
★ EXQUISITE MADE: The anti rust coating can increase the chain life and reduce rust affecting the running of your chain.
★ ANTI-WEAR: The chain is stretched-proof and is able to withstand a little more wear and tear which means you can get more mileage of the bike chain.
★ CONVENIENT USAGE: Equipped with link joint clip, it is easy to detach or install the chain, very convenient.

Bicycle Chain, Electric Bike Chain, Durable Universal Practical Professional for 18, 21, 24 Speed Mountain Bicycles 6/7/8 Speed Flywheel

Check latest price

Product description

Weight: 316g / 11.1oz

Suitable bike: 6-7-8 Speed / Folding bicycle

Package list:

1 * Bicycle Chain

Note:

The actual product color may deviate from the photo due to light.

There may be a slight deviation in the measurement of product.

Every connector of the chain has been carefully dealt with, so it is not easy to fall off.
The product can be used as a general chain to replace the chain of 6/7/8 speed flywheel. It is suitable for 18, 21, 24 speed mountain bicycles and road bicycles.
Excellent workmanship ensures that the chain and gears are closely occluded.
It is very suitable for replacing old or damaged chains on bicycles.
The product is made of high quality steel with good toughness, wear resistance and long service life.

Park Tool SR-18.2 Sprocket Remover/Chain Whip for 1/8" Fixed Gear & Single Speed Bikes

Park Tool

Based on 181 reviews Check latest price

Works on 1/8" fixed-gear sprockets and single-speed cassettes
1" (25.4mm) box-end wrench fits Park Tool Freewheel / Cassette Lockring Tools
Heat treated to prevent bending, flexing and wear
Molded handle for extra comfort

User questions & answers

Question:	can i use this on multispeed
Answer:	The tool is designed for fixed gear cogs so no
Question:	Does it service a trek lexa road bike amd santa cruz mtb
Answer:	Not this one, it's for mainly single speed cogs. You most likely want the Park SR-12.2 for removing a modern cassette, along with lockring tool, such as Park FR-5.2.

Product features

TRUSTED SINCE 1963

Since our origins in the back of a bike shop in 1963, it has been Park Tool's sole mission to design and manufacture high-quality tools that empower mechanics and riders of all skill levels to service their bicycles. As with our other 500+ tools, our chain whips are a product of our decades of experience and expertise in the industry, in the shop and on the trail.