Track Cycling Chains

Anything and everything you would like to know about Track Cycling Chains


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What is a Half-Link Track Cycling Chain?

Half Link Track chains are generally stronger than normal track chains and run much smoother due to the lower side being the normal chain shape and the upper side being smooth. They are compatible with any 1/8th setup or 3/32 setup, the main difference is that the links are ½ size meaning if you need to shorten or lengthen a chain half-links will allow you to do this by ½ a link instead of a full link. This is ideal for small changes in chain length if you are having trouble fitting the desired gear ratios onto your dropouts.

Half Link Chain: KMC Half-Link Track Chain
Normal Track Chain: KMC D101 Track Chain


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How do I Calculate Track Cycling Chain Length?

In order to calculate the required chain length for your Track Cycling setup use the following simple equation:

L = 2 (C) + (R/4 + S/4 + 1)

L = Chain length in inches. Round the final result to closest whole inch figure.
C = Chainstay length in inches, measure to closest 1/8th of an inch. Use chart below to find decimal measurement.
R = Chainring Size (Number of Teeth).
S = Sprocket Size (Number of Teeth).

Fractional conversion to decimal for 1/8th measurements:
1/8 = 0.125
1/4 = 0.25
3/8 = 0.375
1/2 = 0.5
5/8 = 0.625
3/4 = 0.75 
7/8 = 0.875

For Example - If you have a 42T Chainring and 32T Sprocket with 16-3/8” Chainstays (Measurement from the center of the rear axle to the center of the crank bolt) The decimal equivalent for 16-3/8 is 16.375 inches.


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Extending your Chain Length

You can easily join two 1/8th Chains together in order to give the correct amount of chain links for desired gear selection. Products such as the KMC Joining Link can be used to join the chains together Click Here


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What is Chainline?

Many Track Cyclists often get easily confused over Chainline and how to achieve the optimum setting for your fixed gear bicycle. Click Here for our easy to understand guide to Chainline.


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Optimum Chain Tension

It is hard to demonstrate the amount of slack/tension required with however the chain should be as loose as possible without you being able to roll (by hand) the chain off the chainring. The key is to keep playing around with your setup until you can achieve this tension as once you've obtained this tension you'll quickly know how much alignment/tightening you'll need. Too tight and the bike will make a noise and pedalling will feel harder than necessary.


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Chain Lifespan

Checking your Track Cycling chain for wear is not the same as road chains so depending on your usage levels and the quality of your chain it is best to change it once a season. Some Track Cyclists have a higher quality chain for racing and a budget option for training for convenience.


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Wheel Skids/Wheel Slipping?

Are you commonly finding that your rear wheel is slipping or skids when you are accelerating? Or pulls to one side to touch the chainstays?

This could be caused by various factors -

Track Wheel Nuts
If your Rear Wheel is skidding or slipping and you are loosing Chain Tension, it will be worth checking whether if your rear wheel is moving due to worn rear nuts (check the inside of the nuts on the serated edge) as this can cause the rear wheel to move and loosen your chain tension. Nuts can be replaced for a very low cost - Click Here

Track Chain Tensioners/Chain Tugs
The following product can help secure Track Wheel Nuts in place even when nuts get worn in the future Click Here. Track Chain Tensioners help you to maintain the optimum chain tension once it has been established and assembled.

Track Cycling Tubular/Clincher Tyres
The nature of Track Cycling means the geometry of a velodrome will degrade your tyre on the right hand side (side that faces the banking), at an increased rate due to the contact area with the track. You'll need to ensure you regularly rotate your training tyres to create an even wear-rate or alternatively replace them with new tyres regularly depending on your usage, not just when they puncture etc.