Halfords Apollo FS26S

[mcluskc]

Can someone help me determine which chain I should buy.

The chain on the bike has 116 links
Stamped on the chain is 'KMC Narrow'
The rear gears are 7 speed
The front gears are 3 speed

I've been looking online, and I can find 116 links & 10 speed easy enough; but it's very confusing when the description says stuff like: "Only suitable for Shimano ....blah...blah...blah".

[rareposter]

Can someone help me determine which chain I should buy.

The chain on the bike has 116 links
Stamped on the chain is 'KMC Narrow'
The rear gears are 7 speed
The front gears are 3 speed

I've been looking online, and I can find 116 links & 10 speed easy enough; but it's very confusing when the description says stuff like: "Only suitable for Shimano ....blah...blah...blah".

This would do the job fine:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kmc-5-8-s ... -p-X699035

Anything saying 7 speed basically. 114 or 116 links is pretty standard (and most bikes require the chain shortening by a few links anyway).

[mcluskc]

Can someone help me determine which chain I should buy.

The chain on the bike has 116 links
Stamped on the chain is 'KMC Narrow'
The rear gears are 7 speed
The front gears are 3 speed

I've been looking online, and I can find 116 links & 10 speed easy enough; but it's very confusing when the description says stuff like: "Only suitable for Shimano ....blah...blah...blah".

This would do the job fine:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kmc-5-8-s ... -p-X699035

Anything saying 7 speed basically. 114 or 116 links is pretty standard (and most bikes require the chain shortening by a few links anyway).

Is it ok to use 114 links to replace a 116 one?

[Jdsk]

Can someone help me determine which chain I should buy.

The chain on the bike has 116 links
Stamped on the chain is 'KMC Narrow'
The rear gears are 7 speed
The front gears are 3 speed

I've been looking online, and I can find 116 links & 10 speed easy enough; but it's very confusing when the description says stuff like: "Only suitable for Shimano ....blah...blah...blah".

This would do the job fine:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kmc-5-8-s ... -p-X699035

Anything saying 7 speed basically. 114 or 116 links is pretty standard (and most bikes require the chain shortening by a few links anyway).

Is it ok to use 114 links to replace a 116 one?

I'd think of it as finding the correct chain length for the bike. Start here:
viewtopic.php?p=1810338#p1810338

Jonathan

[rareposter]

I'd think of it as finding the correct chain length for the bike. Start here:
viewtopic.php?p=1810338#p1810338

I think that thread would be enough to put anyone off ever fitting their own chain! Another classic case of a simple question turning into something answered with some equations and engineering speak!

Is it ok to use 114 links to replace a 116 one?

Chains come as a "standard" length out the factory - normally 114 or 116 links.
To actually fit it onto the bike, you normally need to cut them down a bit, they're made longer for a reason! I'd be surprised if the existing chain on your bike is more than about 110 / 112 links. Usual way is just to remove the old chain, lay it out straight then put the new one alongside it and trim to the same length. You'll need a chain tool - something like this:

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... 78494.html

Video of how to use one here:
https://youtu.be/cN8zV-Ucsw4?si=zoEjNmn2NTY9yr_-

[mcluskc]

I'd think of it as finding the correct chain length for the bike. Start here:
viewtopic.php?p=1810338#p1810338

I think that thread would be enough to put anyone off ever fitting their own chain! Another classic case of a simple question turning into something answered with some equations and engineering speak!

Is it ok to use 114 links to replace a 116 one?

Chains come as a "standard" length out the factory - normally 114 or 116 links.
To actually fit it onto the bike, you normally need to cut them down a bit, they're made longer for a reason! I'd be surprised if the existing chain on your bike is more than about 110 / 112 links. Usual way is just to remove the old chain, lay it out straight then put the new one alongside it and trim to the same length. You'll need a chain tool - something like this:

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... 78494.html

Video of how to use one here:
https://youtu.be/cN8zV-Ucsw4?si=zoEjNmn2NTY9yr_-

I've got a chain tool that I used to remove the chain, and it's definitely 116 links. I have seen 116 links on the market, but I was confused with the word "Narrow" on the chain. I could just go to Halfords and take it with me, but I don't want to be ripped off. I only use the bike for leisurely cycles in good weather, so I don't want to be sold a diamond encrusted titanium one.

[JohnR]

KMC's photo of the 7Z chain https://www.kmcchain.com/en/product/bic ... z7-7-speed shows that it is marked "narrow". The standard retail package, however, is 114 links. You might, however, find a seller who offers longer chains cut from a bulk roll.

[mcluskc]

So, in the end I went to a local bike charity and bought it from them. Couldn't have been easier. Showed them my old chain, and bought a new one. No trying to sell me anything other than what was required. And the bonus is that the profits go to a good cause.