Does it matter what chain you put on a bike?
Because the distances between the sprockets vary on different ‘speed’ cassettes (e.g. the gap will be wider on a 9-speed block than on an 11-speed), you need a chain that fits. A chain for an 11-speed transmission will be narrower than one for a 9-speed, etc.
How do I know if my bike chain is too short?
You should also see two slight bends at each jockey wheel of the rear derailleur. If the chain is too short, this shift is difficult to make and the derailleur cage is stretched out and almost parallel to the chainstay. If the chain is really short, then you might not even be able to shift into the largest cog.
How often should you change your bike chain?
To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike’s chain every 2,000 miles.
How much does it cost to replace bike chain?
Most bike shops will charge about $30 – $50 dollars depending on the bike shop, whether it’s a popular brand or a “mom & pop” shop. You may also want to take into consideration that the chain itself may cost $30 – $50 dollars but then the labor cost to replace this might run you an additional $10 dollars.