Are all 7 speed chains compatible?
Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo all use the same chain with 8 speeds. Chain for 7 speeds is a bit wider – 7.3 mm, while a 6 speed one is substantially wider – 7.8 mm. That is why the reverse is not the case and a 7 speed chain and especially a 6 speed one will not work as well on an 8 speed system.
How long is a 7 speed chain?
How long is a 7 speed bike chain?
| Drivetrain* | External Width, in | External Width, mm |
|---|---|---|
| 9 speed | 1/4″ – 9/32″ | 6.5 – 7.0mm |
| 10 speed | 1/4″ – 9/32″ | 6.0 – 7.0mm |
| 10 speed narrow | 7/32″ | 5.88mm |
| 11 speed | 7/32″ | 5.5 – 5.62mm |
Are 7 speed and 9 speed chains the same?
7, 8, and 9 speed chains have the same inner width, but 9 speed chains have thinner outer plates for a thinner overall chain. So while a 9 speed chain works fine on a 7 or 8 speed drivetrain, it will be a weaker chain that tends to “stretch” faster.
Can I use a 10 speed derailleur on a 7 speed cassette?
If you have a 10-speed derailleur of any kind, it will work with a 7-speed cassette as long as you use friction shifters.
How do I know what chain to buy for my bike?
When selecting a chain, the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets. The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced.
Can I use a 9 speed chain on a 7 speed cassette?
A chain one size narrower than standard rarely presents any problem. Thus, you can use a “9-speed” chain with a 7-speed or 8-speed system, or a “10-speed” chain with a 9-speed system.
Can I use a 8 speed derailleur on a 7 speed cassette?
8 speed shifter and cassette, 7 speed derailleur? You’ll be fine. There’s no “probably” about it. 6-, 7- and 8-speed gear is all cross-compatible in terms of chain width.
Can you use a 9 speed derailleur on a 7 speed bike?
Can I use a 9-speed derailleur on a 7-speed cassette? The answer is yes because the rear shift ratio of 9-speed and 7-speed derailleurs is the same if you stay within the same brand.
How do I know which bike chain to buy?