There are many parts in an Ebike, including the chain. This article explains why ebikes need a dedicated chain and what is the difference between a normal chain and an ebike chain.
Why do electric-assisted bicycles use special chains?
The weight of a common electric-assisted bicycle is generally around 25 kilograms. The weight and surging power make the vehicle components bear greater strength. Whether it is braking, starting, going uphill or passing through bumpy sections, as the most important component of the transmission system, the strength of the electric-assisted chain must be stronger than that of ordinary chains.
According to foreign authoritative data analysis, the riding frequency of electric-assisted bicycles is three times more than that of traditional bicycles, and the riding distance is also three times longer than that of traditional bicycles. This means that the chain is used more frequently and the degree of wear will increase accordingly.
Ebike chain material and design
Ebike chain material
- E-BIKE-specific chain: It is usually used for its use characteristics, with higher intensity materials, such as steel that has been treated. Heating steel can have better pressure and can cope with higher torque and power.
- Ordinary bicycle chain: Generally use conventional steel, conventional steel is sufficient to meet the riding needs of most people. Although some high -end chains also use high -intensity materials, the general basic requirements are not as high as ebike.
- The effect of material differences on performance. High -intensity materials are often more durable, have stronger hardness and can have better durability, which can effectively reduce the frequency of replacement.
Ebike chain design
- E-BIKE-specific chain: In order to adapt to daily cycling, the Ebike chain often has a reinforcement design to improve the hardness of the chain to cope with high torque.
Ordinary bicycle chain: Because there are not too many terrain demand, only need to meet the basic riding needs.
- The effect of material differences on performance. Ebike's special chain often uses a more precise chain design. This design can make the chain more smooth, reduce noise, and have a better cycling experience. Ordinary chain festival design is relatively simple, there will be more wear points, which will cause uninterrupted during cycling and have a large noise.
Durability and maintenance
Chain Durability
Because in daily life, Ebike is different from the use of bicycles, so the service life of the chain is also different.
- Ebike chain durability
Generally speaking, the service life of the high-end Ebike chain is about 3000-5000 kilometers, while the low-end Ebike chain life is about 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers (determined according to the actual use)
- Ordinary bicycle chain durability
The high-end Ordinary Bicycle Chain's service life is about 3000-5000 kilometers, while the low-end OrdInary Bicycle Chain chain life is about 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers (determined according to the actual use)
Chain Maintenance
- Ebike chain lubricating
The chain of an ebike generally needs basic lubrication after riding for 300-500 kilometers. If riding on dirty or muddy roads, the frequency of lubrication may need to be more frequent.
- Ordinary bicycle chain lubricating
The lubrication and riding requirements of ordinary bicycle chains are not as high as those of Ebikes. It is recommended to lubricate after 500-800 kilometers of riding.
The main differences between Ebike chains and ordinary bicycle chains in daily maintenance.
Since Ebike chains need to withstand higher torque and higher power, the frequency of lubrication and wear will be more frequent than that of bicycle chains, so the frequency of lubrication of ebike chains will be higher than that of bicycle chains.
Torque and power transmission
E-bike chain performance under high torque and high power conditions
High-quality ebike chains can maintain tension well in all situations, have high strength, are not easily deformed or stretched, and ensure efficient power transmission
Performance of ordinary bicycle chains under the same conditions
Under high torque conditions, the power transmitted by ordinary bicycle chains is significantly lower than that of Ebike chains, and the phenomenon of tooth skipping or chain derailment is more frequent, which affects both the power transmission efficiency and the riding experience.
Price and cost performance
E-bike chain price
The price of ebike chains varies depending on the brand, material, design and additional features. The general price is between $20 and $50. Chains with better materials tend to be more expensive.
Ordinary bicycle chain price
The price of ordinary bicycle chains is relatively low, generally between $10 and $30. Basic chains are relatively cheaper, while high-end brands and chains made of special materials are relatively expensive.
E-bike chain cost performance
Usually due to the material of the ebike chain and its better stability, the ebike chain can have a better service life and is replaced less frequently.
Ordinary bicycle cost performance
Ordinary bicycle chains are less expensive for daily commuting and leisure riding, and are more suitable for light/leisure use scenarios. If you use an ordinary bicycle chain on an ebike, the cost will usually increase due to frequent chain replacement, reducing the cost-effectiveness.
Applicable scenarios and suggestions
Chain Applicable scenarios
E-bike chain
On an electric bicycle, choosing a dedicated Ebike chain is the most effective and affordable option, especially for riders who need to use electric assist for long periods of time and use ebikes intensively.
Ordinary bicycle
For commuter/leisure riders, bicycle chains made of general materials are sufficient to provide the power and requirements they need for riding, providing sufficient power and lower maintenance costs on flat roads and short-distance riding. In this case, it is often more cost-effective to choose ordinary bicycle chains.
Applicable suggestions
Urban commuting cycling
This type of riding is usually carried out on relatively flat urban roads, and the frequency of daily riding is relatively high. In view of the characteristics of urban commuting riding, we recommend two chains: KMC e10 EPT Anti-Rust and Shimano E6090 E-bike. Both are specially designed for riding and have excellent anti-corrosion functions.
Long distance riding
Long-distance riding places high demands on the chain, which needs to have a certain degree of stability and durability. In view of the characteristics of long-distance riding, we recommend the Connex 11sE E-Bike and KMC e11 Turbo E-bike Chain. Both chains have good durability and can remain stable in various terrains.
Off-road riding
Riding on complex terrain requires a chain with high durability and strong anti-interference capabilities.We recommend SRAM EX1 E-Bike and KMC e12 E-bike chains, both of which have good wear resistance and high strength.
Highway riding
Riding on the highway requires a chain with a low friction coefficient and the ability to maintain smooth operation at high speeds. For this purpose, we recommend the Shimano HG701 11-Speed and KMC e9 Silver E-bike chains, both of which have low friction coefficients and efficient power output.
Recreational riding
Recreational riding is characterized by lower frequency of riding and lower maintenance.For this riding style, we recommend these two Ebike chains: KMC e8 E-Bike and Shimano CN-E6070 E-Bike. These two chains have a simple design, do not require frequent maintenance and are cost-effective.
Conclusion
Choosing the right E-bike chain should be determined by your riding style, environment, and specific needs. Whether it is city commuting, long-distance travel, mountain cross-country, high-speed riding or leisure and entertainment, choosing the right chain can enhance the riding experience and extend the service life of the chain.
Recommend a cost-effective KMC chain E Mountain Bike
DYG90 is our flagship product. It uses KMC chain, which is smooth to ride, can cope with various terrains and has a long chain life. This is a major feature of DYG90.
DYG90 is an ebike that can be ridden both in the mountains and on flat roads.
If you want to know more about DYG90, please click on the photo to jump.
