The fastest place to buy a chain depends on whether you need it today or can wait a few days
A local bike shop will have chains in stock and can install one while you wait, usually within an hour. A big-box sporting goods store like Dick's or Academy carries chains but may not have your exact size, and staff may not know how to size one correctly. Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay ship within days and often cost less, but you'll need to know your chain size before ordering and install it yourself or pay a shop to do it. Specialty online bike retailers like Jenson USA, Chain Reaction Cycles, and Performance Bike stock more sizes and brands than general retailers, though shipping takes longer.
Your choice comes down to three things: how soon you need the chain, whether you know your size, and whether you want to install it yourself. If your chain broke mid-ride, go local. If you have time and know your size, online is cheaper. If you're unsure what fits your bike, a local shop saves you from ordering twice.
Key Takeaways
- Local bike shops carry chains in multiple sizes, can tell you which one fits your bike, and will install it for you on the spot.
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Dick's have chains but limited selection, and staff may not know how to match your chain size correctly.
- Online retailers ship within days and often cost less, but you must know your chain size and either install it yourself or pay a mechanic.
- Specialty bike retailers online stock more brands and sizes than general retailers, though they take longer to ship and cost more than Amazon.
- Bring your bike or write down the number of gears and the current chain size before you shop, so you buy the right one.
Local bike shops: same-day installation and informed sizing
A local independent bike shop or a chain like Trek, Specialized, or Giant will have chains in stock for most common bike types. Staff can look at your bike, count the gears, and tell you exactly which chain you need—usually a 6-speed, 7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, or 12-speed chain. They will also install it while you wait, which takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy they are.
Prices at local shops are usually higher than online—expect to pay $20 to $60 for the chain itself, plus $10 to $20 for installation. But you avoid the risk of buying the wrong size, and you get the chain today. If your chain broke while you were riding, a local shop is your only option.
To find a local shop, search "bike shop near me" or check the websites of major brands like Trek or Specialized to see which dealers are in your area. Call ahead to confirm they have chains in stock and ask what their wait time is.
Big-box sporting goods and general retailers
Walmart, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports carry bicycle chains in the sporting goods section, usually near the bikes themselves. Prices are lower than local shops—typically $15 to $40 for the chain alone. However, selection is limited. A Walmart may stock only 6-speed, 8-speed, and 10-speed chains, so if you have a 12-speed bike you may not find what you need.
Staff at these stores usually cannot tell you which chain fits your bike. You will need to know your chain size before you go, or bring your bike so you can compare the current chain to what's on the shelf. Installation is not offered, so you'll either install it yourself or take it to a bike shop afterward.
These stores are useful if you know your chain size and want to pick one up today without paying local-shop prices. They are not a good choice if you're unsure what size you need.
Amazon and general online retailers
Amazon, Walmart.com, eBay, and similar sites stock hundreds of chain options and usually cost $12 to $35 for the chain itself. Shipping takes 2 to 7 days depending on your location and whether you have Prime. You can read customer reviews and compare brands side by side, which is harder to do in a physical store.
The downside is that you must know your chain size before you order. If you buy the wrong one, you'll have to return it and order again, which adds a week to the process. Installation is not included, so you'll need to install it yourself or pay a bike shop $10 to $20 to do it for you.
Amazon is a good choice if you have time to wait, know your chain size, and are comfortable installing it yourself or paying a mechanic. It's not a good choice if your chain broke and you need to ride today.
Specialty bike retailers online
Jenson USA, Chain Reaction Cycles, Performance Bike, and REI stock a wider range of chains and brands than Amazon or Walmart. They often have rare sizes and high-end chains that general retailers don't carry. Prices are usually $15 to $50, and shipping takes 3 to 10 days depending on the retailer and your location.
Staff at these sites are usually cyclists themselves and write detailed product descriptions that help you pick the right chain. Many have customer service phone lines where you can ask questions before you order. However, they cost more than Amazon and take longer to ship.
Specialty retailers are worth using if you have a less common bike (like a single-speed or a very new 12-speed), want a specific brand, or need information on which chain will work best with your gears and drivetrain.
How to find out what chain size you need
The easiest way is to look at your current chain. Most chains have the size stamped or printed on the side—look for a number like "6-speed", "8-speed", "10-speed", or "12-speed". If the marking is worn off, count the cogs on the largest sprocket at the back of your bike. That number is your chain speed.
If you're not sure, take a photo of your bike's rear gears and bring it to a local shop, or post it in a bike forum and ask. You can also measure the chain itself: lay it flat on a ruler and count 12 links (the metal pieces that connect), then measure from the center of the first pin to the center of the 12th pin. Most chains measure either 1/2 inch (single-speed and cruiser bikes) or 3/32 inch (multi-speed bikes). Write this down before you shop.
Installation: doing it yourself versus paying a mechanic
Installing a chain yourself requires a chain tool (a small hand tool that costs $8 to $20) and takes 20 to 45 minutes if you've never done it before. You'll need to remove the old chain, thread the new one through the gears, and connect the ends. YouTube has step-by-step videos for your specific bike type.
If you don't want to do it yourself, take the chain to a local bike shop and pay $10 to $20 for installation. This is usually faster and safer than a first attempt, especially if you're not comfortable working on your bike. Many shops will install a chain you bought elsewhere, though some charge a small fee for outside parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a chain at Costco or Sam's Club?
Costco and Sam's Club rarely stock bicycle chains. Their inventory changes by location and season, so call your local warehouse before you go. If they do have chains, selection is very limited and you may not find your size.
What if I buy the wrong chain size?
If the chain is too short, it won't reach around your gears and you won't be able to close it. If it's too long, it will sag and fall off while you ride. Most retailers accept returns within 30 days if the chain is unused, so check the return policy before you buy.
Is a cheap chain as good as an expensive one?
Budget chains ($15 to $25) work fine for casual riding and will last 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Expensive chains ($40 to $80) are lighter and last longer, but most riders don't need them. Buy the cheapest chain that fits your bike unless you ride more than 50 miles a week.
Do I need to buy the same brand chain as my bike?
No. Any chain that matches your bike's speed (6-speed, 10-speed, etc.) will work, regardless of brand. Shimano, SRAM, KMC, and Taya all make reliable chains that fit the same bikes.
Where can I recycle my old chain?
Most local bike shops will take old chains for free or a small fee and recycle them. Some scrap metal recyclers also accept chains. Call ahead to confirm they take bicycle parts before you bring it in.