Bicycle chains are sold at bike shops, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces
You can buy a bicycle chain at a local bike shop, a general retailer like Walmart or Target, online through Amazon or eBay, or directly from manufacturers like Shimano or SRAM. The choice depends on whether you need the chain today, whether you want informed help picking the right one, and how much you want to spend. A local shop will cost more but can match the chain to your bike on the spot. Online and big-box stores are cheaper but require you to know your chain's size and speed rating beforehand.
Before you shop anywhere, you need to know three things about your current chain: the number of speeds (8-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, and so on), the brand of your drivetrain (usually Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo), and the chain length or model number if you have it. If you do not have this information, a bike shop can look at your bike and tell you in minutes. If you buy online or at a big-box store without this information, you risk ordering the wrong chain and having to return it.
Key Takeaways
- Local bike shops stock chains for most common drivetrains and can install them for you, but charge 20 to 40 percent more than online retailers.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry basic chains from brands like Shimano and KMC, but selection is limited and staff usually cannot match a chain to your bike.
- Online retailers including Amazon, eBay, and brand websites offer the widest selection and lowest prices, but you must know your chain's speed rating and brand before ordering.
- You need to know whether your bike is single-speed, 8-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, or 12-speed before you can buy the correct replacement chain.
- Installation costs $15 to $30 at a bike shop if you do not want to do it yourself, and takes about 15 minutes.
Local bike shops: higher price, when ready availability, and informed fitting
A local independent bike shop or a chain store like Trek or Specialized will have chains in stock for Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo drivetrains. Staff can look at your bike, identify the exact chain you need, and often install it while you wait. This is the fastest route if you ride today and do not want to guess at specifications.
Expect to pay $25 to $60 for a basic replacement chain, depending on the brand and speed rating. A Shimano HG53 (8-speed) or KMC Z8 (8-speed) will be on the lower end. A SRAM PC1130 (11-speed) or Shimano CN-M7100 (12-speed) will be higher. Installation is usually $15 to $30 if you do not install it yourself. Many shops will install a chain you bought elsewhere, though some charge a small fee or require you to buy it from them.
Big-box retailers: limited selection, lower prices, no informed help
Walmart, Target, and similar stores stock a small range of chains from brands like Shimano, KMC, and Sunrace. You will usually find 8-speed and 10-speed chains, sometimes 11-speed, but rarely 12-speed or specialty options. Prices are typically $15 to $40, which is 30 to 50 percent less than a bike shop.
The downside is that staff cannot tell you whether a chain will fit your bike, and the packaging often does not list the speed rating clearly. If you already know your chain size and speed, this is a cheap option. If you are guessing, you risk buying the wrong chain and having to return it. These stores do not install chains, so you will need to do it yourself or take the chain to a bike shop for installation.
Online retailers: lowest prices, widest selection, requires advance knowledge
Amazon, eBay, Jenson USA, and brand websites like Shimano.com and SRAM.com offer the most chains at the lowest prices. You can find every speed rating from single-speed to 12-speed, and every major brand. Prices range from $12 for a basic 8-speed KMC chain to $80 or more for high-end 12-speed SRAM or Shimano chains. Shipping usually takes 3 to 7 days, and many retailers offer free shipping on orders over $35 or $50.
The catch is that you must know your chain's speed rating and brand before you order. If you buy the wrong chain, you will have to pay for return shipping and wait for a replacement. Read the product description carefully — it should list the speed rating, the brand compatibility (Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo), and the chain length in links. If the listing does not say, ask the seller before you buy.
How to find your chain size if you do not know it
Look at your bike's shifters and derailleurs. If your shifters have numbers on them (like 1-8 or 1-11), that is your speed rating. If your derailleur has a brand name stamped on it (Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo), that is your drivetrain brand. Write both down.
If you cannot find this information, count the number of cogs on your rear cassette (the stack of gears at the back wheel). Eight cogs means 8-speed, ten means 10-speed, and so on. For the brand, look at the shifter levers or the derailleur cage. Shimano is the most common, followed by SRAM. If you still are not sure, take a photo of your bike's drivetrain and show it to a bike shop — they can identify it in seconds.
You can also look up your bike's model number online. Most manufacturers list the drivetrain specs on their website. If your bike came with paperwork or a receipt, the specs may be listed there.
Specialty online retailers and brand websites
If you want to compare chains side by side, Jenson USA, Chain Reaction Cycles, and Wiggle stock dozens of options with detailed specs and customer reviews. These sites are based in the United States or Europe and ship worldwide. Prices are often lower than Amazon because they buy in bulk.
Brand websites like Shimano.com and SRAM.com let you filter by speed rating and bike type, but they do not sell directly to consumers in most cases — they direct you to authorized retailers. However, their product pages have detailed specifications and compatibility information that can help you choose the right chain before you buy elsewhere.
Factors that affect price and availability
Chain prices vary based on the speed rating, the brand, and the material. A basic 8-speed Shimano or KMC chain costs $15 to $25. A mid-range 10-speed or 11-speed chain costs $25 to $50. A high-end 12-speed SRAM or Shimano chain costs $50 to $100 or more. Lighter chains made from special alloys or with special coatings cost more than standard chains.
Availability depends on the season. In spring and early summer, bike shops and online retailers stock more chains because more people ride and maintain their bikes. In winter, selection may be smaller. If you need a chain for a less common drivetrain (like an older Campagnolo 9-speed or a single-speed fixed-gear bike), you may need to order online because local shops may not stock it.
Installation: do it yourself or pay for help
Installing a chain takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have a chain tool and know the steps. You will need to remove the old chain, measure the new chain to the correct length, connect the new chain using the master link or a pin, and adjust the derailleur if needed. Many online retailers and YouTube have step-by-step guides.
If you do not want to do it yourself, a bike shop will install a chain for $15 to $30. Some shops charge less if you buy the chain from them. A few shops offer same-day installation if you bring the chain in the morning. Call ahead to ask about their turnaround time and whether they charge extra to install a chain you bought elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any chain on my bike?
No. The chain must match your drivetrain's speed rating. An 8-speed chain will not work on a 10-speed bike, and a 12-speed chain will not work on an 11-speed bike. The chain must also be compatible with your brand of shifters and derailleurs — Shimano chains work best with Shimano drivetrains, SRAM with SRAM, and so on. Mixing brands can cause shifting problems.
How do I know if I need a new chain?
A chain wears out over time and stretches. If your bike skips gears or the chain falls off, the chain may be worn. A bike shop can measure chain wear with a tool in seconds. You can also check it yourself: pull the chain away from the front ring — if it pulls more than half an inch away, it is stretched and should be replaced.
Is a more expensive chain worth the money?
A basic chain from Shimano or KMC will last 1,000 to 2,000 miles. A mid-range chain lasts 2,000 to 3,000 miles. A high-end chain may last longer and shift more smoothly, but the difference is small for casual riders. If you ride daily or in wet conditions, a better chain may be worth the extra cost because it lasts longer and needs less maintenance.
Can I return a chain if it does not fit?
Most online retailers accept returns within 30 days if the chain is unused. Big-box stores usually accept returns within 90 days. Local bike shops may accept returns, but policies vary — ask before you buy. Keep the packaging and receipt to make returns easier.
Do I need to buy a chain tool to install it myself?
Yes, unless your chain has a master link (a quick-release link). Most modern chains have a master link and can be connected without a tool. Older chains require a chain tool to push the pin through. A basic chain tool costs $10 to $20 and works on most chains. If you only plan to replace a chain once, it may be cheaper to pay a bike shop for installation.