Best Bike Chains for Mountain Bike of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Mountain biking is an exhilarating and challenging outdoor activity that requires high-quality equipment. One essential part of a mountain bike is the chain, which is responsible for transmitting power from the pedals to the wheels. Bike chains for mountain bikes come in various sizes, materials, and designs to suit different riding styles and terrain. A reliable and durable chain is crucial for smooth and efficient gear shifting, power transfer, and overall performance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, investing in a high-quality bike chain can enhance your riding experience and prolong the life of your bike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TOOPRE 6/7/8-Speed High Strength Bicycle Chain Cover #TOP 1
TOOPRE 6/7/8-Speed High Strength Bicycle Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.9
JJ PRIME 5/6/7 Speed Bicycle Chain Cover #TOP 2
JJ PRIME 5/6/7 Speed Bicycle Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Laxzo Bike Chain for 5-8 Speed Bicycles Cover #TOP 3
Laxzo Bike Chain for 5-8 Speed Bicycles
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bike Chains for Mountain Bike

#TOP 1

TOOPRE 6/7/8-Speed High Strength Bicycle Chain

BES-JJOXLMN
Silver
6/7/8-speed
TOOPRE 6/7/8-Speed High Strength Bicycle Chain Cover
TOOPRE 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Chain, 116 Links ​​Steel High Strength Bike Derailleur Chain for 6/7/8-Gear Road Mountain Bicycle (4.9ft)

The TOOPRE Bicycle Chain is crafted from high-quality manganese steel, ensuring durability and rust resistance. Its nickel-plated surface makes it easy to clean, which is especially beneficial for maintaining your bike's performance. Installation is a breeze; simply use a magic clasp to connect the links, allowing you to quickly get back on the road or trail. With a double X bridge design, this chain offers smooth and fast shifting, enhancing your riding experience and making gear changes effortless.

What We Like
High-quality manganese steel
Easy installation
Smooth and fast shifting
Rust-resistant nickel plating
#TOP 2

JJ PRIME 5/6/7 Speed Bicycle Chain

Silver
14.7mm x 116 link
JJ PRIME 5/6/7 Speed Bicycle Chain Cover
JJ PRIME - 5/6/7 Speed Bicycle Chain for Gear Mountain Bike Road Hybrid 1/2 x 3/32 Inches, 116 Links Anti Rust Steel Bike Derailleur Chain

The JJ PRIME Bike Chain is crafted from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and lightweight performance. Its user-friendly design allows you to easily disassemble and clean the chain, enhancing your riding experience. This chain is perfectly suitable for 5, 6, or 7 gear bikes, making it ideal for various types of bicycles, including mountain, road, and hybrid bikes. With its smooth shifting and quiet operation, you'll enjoy a seamless ride, making your cycling adventures even more enjoyable.

What We Like
High-quality steel construction
Easy to install and remove
Compatible with multiple bike types
Smooth and quiet shifting
#TOP 3

Laxzo Bike Chain for 5-8 Speed Bicycles

JE58
Laxzo Bike Chain for 5-8 Speed Bicycles Cover
Laxzo ® Bike Chain 5/6/7/8 Speed Bicycle Chain, Anti Rust ​Steel High Strength Bike Derailleur Chain Gear Road MTB Mountain Hybrid Bicycle

The Laxzo Bike Chain is an excellent choice for cyclists needing a reliable chain compatible with 5, 6, 7, and 8-speed bikes. Its high-quality materials ensure durability, allowing you to enjoy smooth rides without worrying about wear and tear. Designed for smooth shifting, this chain provides precise gear changes, making your rides more enjoyable. Plus, its user-friendly design makes installation quick and easy, so you can spend less time maintaining your bike and more time riding.

What We Like
Universal compatibility
Durable and long-lasting
Smooth and precise shifting
Easy installation
#TOP 4

ERTYUI 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain

B095RX6PMC
6/7/8 speed
ERTYUI 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Cover
Single/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 Speed Bike Chain, Bike Chain for Road Mountain Racing Cycling (6/7/8 speed)

The ERTYUI Bike Chain is designed for 6, 7, and 8 speed bicycles, featuring a robust size of 1/2×3/32 inch with 116 links. Its double X bridge design enhances both tensile and torsional strength, ensuring a smoother ride. Made from special forging steel, this chain is built to last, offering resistance to rust and wear. Additionally, installation is straightforward; you can easily adjust the length to fit your bike using a chain cutter and hook (not included), making it convenient for all cycling enthusiasts.

What We Like
Durable special forging steel
Double X bridge design
Easy installation
Compatible with various bikes
Rust and corrosion resistant
#TOP 5

Hycline 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Chain

Rnry-MAYA-M30uk
6/7/8-speed
Hycline 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Chain Cover
Hycline Bike Chain 6/7/8-Speed,Bicycle Chain 1/2x3/32 Inch,Special Steel for Road Mountain Racing Cycling (116 Links)

The Hycline Bike Chain is an excellent choice for those who own 6, 7, or 8-speed bicycles, including racing, road, and mountain bikes. Its high compatibility ensures it fits various models, making it versatile for different cycling needs. The chain's special forged steel composition provides exceptional strength, giving you confidence in its durability. With a polished surface and internal lubrication, it offers smooth operation while protecting against corrosion and rust. Additionally, its compact design and portable packaging allow you to carry it with ease, making maintenance simple and convenient.

What We Like
High compatibility with multiple bikes
Exceptional strength and durability
Smooth operation with rust protection
Compact and portable design
Easy installation and removal
#TOP 6

WAIZHIUA 9-Speed High Strength Bike Chain

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Silver
Silver
WAIZHIUA 9-Speed High Strength Bike Chain Cover
WAIZHIUA 9-Speed Bike Chain 116 Links Bicycle Chain High Strength Manganese Steel Cycling Chain with Magic Buckle for Road Mountain Bike

The WAIZHIUA 9-Speed Chain is crafted from high-quality manganese steel, ensuring it is strong and durable while resisting rust and corrosion. With its size of 1/2" * 11/128" and 116 links, it provides an optimal length for various bicycles. Its double X bridge shape design promotes fast and smooth shifting, making your rides more enjoyable. Installation is a breeze with the included magic clasp, allowing you to connect the chain effortlessly. This chain is compatible with most road and mountain bikes, enhancing your cycling experience.

What We Like
High-quality, durable material
Smooth and fast shifting
Easy installation
Wide compatibility with bikes
#TOP 7

Cosswe 6/7/8 Speed Bicycle Chain

Cosswe 6/7/8 Speed Bicycle Chain Cover
Bicycle Chain,6/7/8/24 Speed Cycling Chains Reusable for Road Mountain Bike

The Cosswe Bicycle Chain is an excellent choice for cyclists needing a reliable solution for their bikes. It includes five stainless steel links, making it suitable for 6, 7, and 8-speed bicycles. The high-quality connector is crafted from special forged steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. This chain is ideal for temporary repairs or replacements, allowing you to get back on the road without hassle. Installation is a breeze, thanks to its polished surface, which makes disassembly, cleaning, and reuse straightforward.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel links
Rust and corrosion resistant
Easy to install and clean
Suitable for multiple speeds
#TOP 8

Alomejor 21-27 Speed Steel Bike Chain

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18-24 Speed
Alomejor 21-27 Speed Steel Bike Chain Cover
Bike Chain 21 24 27 Speed Bicycle Chain Steel Bicycle Hollow-out Chains for Road Mountain Bike(18-24 Speed)

The Alomejor Bike Chain offers excellent performance and convenience for cyclists. Its easy-to-clean design features magic buckle joints that allow for quick disassembly. You will appreciate the anti-rust coating, which extends the chain's life and helps maintain smooth operation. Additionally, this chain is stretch-proof and can endure more wear and tear, making it a durable choice for both mountain and road bikes. Its hollow-out design ensures lightweight performance and reduces the risk of getting stuck during rides.

What We Like
Easy to clean and maintain
Durable and long-lasting
Lightweight design
Rust-resistant coating
#TOP 9

WAIZHIUA 6/7/8-Speed Bike Chain

Silver
Silver
WAIZHIUA 6/7/8-Speed Bike Chain Cover
WAIZHIUA Bike Chain 6/7/8-Speed Bicycle Chain Cycling Chain 116 Links High Strength Steel for Road Mountain Bike

The WAIZHIUA Bike Chain is designed for 6, 7, and 8-speed bicycles, making it versatile for various bikes, including road and mountain models. Its high-quality manganese steel construction ensures durability and is resistant to rust and corrosion, giving you peace of mind during rides. With its double X bridge shape, this chain offers smooth and efficient shifting, enhancing your cycling experience. Installation is straightforward, allowing you to quickly set it up and get back on the road.

What We Like
Wide compatibility with various bikes
Durable and rust-resistant material
Smooth and efficient shifting
Easy installation process
#TOP 10

Durable 9-Speed Bicycle Chain for All Bikes

Bicycle Chain
Silver
‎9 Speed
Durable 9-Speed Bicycle Chain for All Bikes Cover
9 Speed Bicycle Chain, 116 Links Cycling Chain for Mountain Bikes Bicycles Racing Bikes Road Bikes

The BLLREMIPSUR 9-Speed Chain is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring it remains rust-proof and wear-resistant for long-lasting performance. Its high tensile strength means you can enjoy smooth pedalling without worrying about damage to your bicycle. With 116 links designed for a precise fit, this chain guarantees optimal power transmission and seamless gear shifts, enhancing your cycling experience. Plus, installation is a breeze thanks to the included magic buckles, allowing you to quickly connect the chain without hassle.

What We Like
Durable and rust-proof materials
Smooth and precise shifting
Easy installation with magic buckles
High tensile strength
Suitable for various bike types
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What chain do I need for mountain bike?

A lot of mountain bikes are 10-, 11- or 12-speed and, when buying a chain, it will be clearly labelled accordingly. Simply find out how many gears, or 'speeds', you bike has (count the number of gears on the rear cassette and multiply it by the number of chainrings at the front), and pick the corresponding chain.

2. Are mountain bike and road bike chains the same?

MTB and road chains are not the same, MTB chains are designed to shift up more easily under load because oftentimes on trails you face stiff ascents and you aren't in the right gear, road chains are designed to shift down more quickly and this helps when you get prepared for a sprint.

3. Are mountain bike chains universal?

No. Not all makes and models of bike chains fit on all bikes. Most modern bike chains are made to the one-half inch pitch, but this dosn't mean all chains fit all bikes.

4. Are all mountain bike chains the same size?

Drivetrain manufacturers design their chains to work as a system with the derailleurs, rear sprockets, and shift levers. Chains can vary in side plate shape, sizing, and height.

Editor's Notes

During our bike chain for mountain bike research, we found 306 bike chain for mountain bike products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,435 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike chains for mountain bike list. We found that most customers choose bike chains for mountain bike with an average price of £10.30.

The bike chains for mountain bike are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike chains for mountain bike, including LATERN, JJOnlineStore, Laxzo, ERTYUI, Hycline. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 974 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.