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Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 17 Mar 2024, 6:44pm
by 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".
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 17 Mar 2024, 8:21pm
by rareposter
mcluskc wrote: ↑17 Mar 2024, 6:44pm
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).
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 18 Mar 2024, 6:59am
by mcluskc
rareposter wrote: ↑17 Mar 2024, 8:21pm
mcluskc wrote: ↑17 Mar 2024, 6:44pm
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?
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 18 Mar 2024, 9:56am
by Jdsk
mcluskc wrote: ↑18 Mar 2024, 6:59am
rareposter wrote: ↑17 Mar 2024, 8:21pm
mcluskc wrote: ↑17 Mar 2024, 6:44pm
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
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 18 Mar 2024, 1:45pm
by rareposter
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!
mcluskc wrote: ↑18 Mar 2024, 6:59am
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_-
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 18 Mar 2024, 3:03pm
by mcluskc
rareposter wrote: ↑18 Mar 2024, 1:45pm
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!
mcluskc wrote: ↑18 Mar 2024, 6:59am
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.
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 18 Mar 2024, 9:40pm
by 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.
Re: Halfords Apollo FS26S
Posted: 25 Mar 2024, 4:19pm
by 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.