BMX Chain Guide: Sizes, Styles & Strength Explained

How To Choose A New BMX Chain

A chain is often overlooked when it comes to upgrading your bike. A chain is a good way to add some color, sure, but more importantly, you want to be sure you're using a good, strong, dependable chain for your safety.

You put your chain through a ton of tension when pedaling, so it's bound to wear out over time. The last thing you want it to be cranking hard and your chain snap. This can be very dangerous.

Some chains are much stronger than others and have a longer lifespan. Lower-end chains, which is often what comes on complete bikes, are generally strong enough but do not have the longevity of a more durable, aftermarket chain. This is why we often recommend upgrading your chain a few months after buying a new bike.

The more durable, higher-end chains to cost more, but they also last longer. So, you can run a lower-end chain to save some money, but it will need replaced more often. A stronger chain costs a little more up front but lasts much longer.

Chain Sizes

BMX chains are available in two different widths; 1/8" and 3/32".

• 1/8" Chains - This is the standard size for freestyle BMX. The wider design is built to handle heavy impacts from street, park, and dirt riding. Most freestyle sprockets and driver teeth are designed for 1/8” chains, making them the most common choice.
• 3/32" Chains - These narrower chains are typically found on BMX race bikes. They’re lighter and more efficient for speed, but not built for the abuse of grinding or hard landings.

Our freestyle chains category only displays 1/8" chains to make shopping easier. The race chains category does have some of both sizes. You can use the filter tool to narrow your selection and/or just be sure to pay attention to the specifications listed on each chain.

Full Link vs Half Link

Another decision BMX riders face is choosing between full link and half link chains:

• Full Link Chains - Full link chains are what people are typically familiar with. This is the traditional design with alternating inner and outer plates. They’re strong, reliable, and often lighter than half link chains. However, they don’t offer as much micro-adjustability when setting chain tension.
• Half Link Chains - Here, every link is the same size, which allows riders to fine-tune wheel position in the dropouts for perfect chain tension and desired wheelbase. Half link chains are popular in freestyle riding due to their durability both in longevity and withstanding abuse from grinds and general damage.

Which Chains Are The Strongest?

Unfortunately there isn't really a ratings system or anything of the sort for a chain’s strength. For a lot of full link chains you will see either 410 or 510. A 410 chain is more of a basic, entry-level option with straight-cut plates that work fine for light use, but they’re not as strong or long-lasting. A 510 chain steps things up with beveled plates, making it more durable and resistant to stretching—this is the standard choice for riders who need reliability under heavy freestyle use.

Beyond that, when it comes to strength, the next tier is half link chains. These tend to be beefier and are considered the strongest option, especially for street riders putting maximum stress on their drivetrain.

How To Install A Chain

A chain will come much longer than needed and will need to be properly fit and cut to be installed on your bike. To learn more about this process and the tools required, check out our video below.