Frequently asked questions and information about BMX chain lengths.
What’s the difference between a traditional and half-link chain?
The difference lies in the link design. A traditional chain consists of alternating inner and outer plates, requiring two links to be added or removed at a time to adjust the length. In contrast, a half-link chain features curved links that interlock with both “inner” and “outer” ends, allowing a single link to be added or removed at a time. This design makes half-link chains more adjustable.
Are half-link chains better than traditional chains?
Beyond their adjustability, another benefit of half-link chains is their curved design, which makes them less prone to snagging and breaking if they hit something during a grind. Instead of catching, the chain can “slip” over the link, reducing the risk of damage. In contrast, a traditional chain is more likely to catch on an edge, potentially popping off a side plate and compromising its integrity. However, there are some trade-offs—half-link chains are heavier than traditional chains and tend to stretch more over time due to their curved link design.
What about adding a single half-link to a traditional chain?
A hybrid approach involves using a traditional chain with a single half-link at the end (if needed), giving you the best of both worlds. If your traditional chain came with a half-link pre-installed, this is a great option. Installing a half-link onto a traditional chain afterward is also possible, but it will never be as strong as a factory-installed half-link.
Are traditional chains or half-link chains stronger?
Any high-quality brand of half-link chain or traditional 510 chain with a pre-installed half-link will be your best and strongest options.
What’s the difference between the chainstay length and the exact length?
Most frame manufacturers market the chainstay length in 0.25″ increments (e.g., 13.25″, 13.50″) because the chainstay length can typically only be adjusted by 0.25″ at a time due to the chain links. In practice, the exact chainstay length depends on where your axle sits in the dropout, which is influenced by factors like chain length, sprocket size, and driver size. As a result, the exact chainstay length may vary by plus or minus 1/8″ depending on your setup. Some manufacturers list a more precise measurement, such as 13.7″ instead of 13.75″, which is more accurate, but in practice, it will likely be the same length when using the same number of chain links and sprocket/driver size. For example, a frame listed as 13.75″ might measure 13.69″ in practice when using a standard 25t sprocket, 9t driver, and 72 chain links. As mentioned, most frame manufacturers account for this by making the frame’s chainstay slightly shorter, since the chainstay length ultimately depends on where the axle ends up, not just the frame’s dimensions.
Can I make my chainstay shorter or longer by removing or adding links?
It depends. Many modern BMX frames feature small, short dropouts designed to be protected by pegs or hub guards, preventing them from snagging on grinds. If your axle is positioned at the very back of the dropout, you might be able to remove a link to make the chainstay shorter and more responsive. Conversely, if your axle is at the front of the dropout, you could add a link to make the chainstay longer and more stable. This will depend on the design of the frame’s dropout. Street frames generally offer limited adjustability and are often designed for a specific chainstay length. On the other hand, trail frames typically have longer dropouts, allowing you to adjust the chainstay length by anywhere from 0.25″ to 0.75″.