Best SHIMANO Bike Chains of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Bike chains are an essential component of any bicycle, providing a crucial link between the pedal and the wheel. SHIMANO is a well-known brand that offers a range of high-quality bike chains suitable for a variety of bicycles. Their chains are designed to be durable and reliable, ensuring smooth and efficient cycling. Whether you're a professional cyclist or a casual rider, SHIMANO bike chains are a great choice to enhance your biking experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shimano HG40 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Cover #TOP 1
Shimano HG40 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SHIMANO Xt/Ultegra 9 Speed Chain Cn-hg93 Cover #TOP 2
SHIMANO Xt/Ultegra 9 Speed Chain Cn-hg93
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Shimano Ultegra Silver 10 Speed Chain Cover #TOP 3
Shimano Ultegra Silver 10 Speed Chain
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 SHIMANO Bike Chains

Shimano HG40 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain

CEA-LSY-DNW
Grey
6/7/8 Speed
Shimano HG40 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain Cover
Shimano HG40 116 W/CL Chain - Grey, 6/7/8 Speed

The Shimano HG40 Chain is a versatile option for your bike, compatible with 6, 7, or 8-speed systems, making it ideal for Altus and older Alivio and STX drivetrains. Its HG technology features chamfered inner plates, which enhance shifting performance on HG sprockets, ensuring smoother gear transitions. You will appreciate the quick and easy connecting link, simplifying installation and maintenance. Additionally, the chain's durability is greatly enhanced by the heat treatment of the rollers, pins, and plates, promising a reliable performance on your rides.

What We Like
Compatible with multiple speeds
Smooth shifting performance
Easy to install
Durable construction
#TOP 2

SHIMANO Xt/Ultegra 9 Speed Chain Cn-hg93

CNHG93116
Metal
116L
SHIMANO Xt/Ultegra 9 Speed Chain Cn-hg93 Cover
SHIMANO Xt/Ultegra 9 Speed Chain Cn-hg93, Metal

The SHIMANO 9 Speed Chain offers several impressive features for cyclists. It comes individually boxed, ensuring that it is well-protected during transit. Designed as a Hyperglide 9-Speed chain, it optimises your bike's performance, especially in rear shifting. This means you can expect fast and precise shifts, particularly during downshifts, enhancing your cycling experience. Additionally, the chromized rivet pins improve wear resistance, allowing for longevity and reliability while you ride.

What We Like
Individually boxed for protection
Fast and precise shifting
Optimised for HG sprocket
Improved wear resistance
#TOP 3

Shimano Ultegra Silver 10 Speed Chain

CN6701116
Silver
One size
Shimano Ultegra Silver 10 Speed Chain Cover
Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed Chain - Silver

The Shimano Ultegra Chain is a super narrow and lightweight 10-speed chain featuring 116 links. Its directional design enhances the interaction between the cassette and chain set, ensuring maximum power transfer during your rides. The specially shaped inner and outer plates provide an efficient performance, allowing you to enjoy smooth shifts and improved speed. Available in an attractive silver colour, this chain not only performs well but also adds a sleek touch to your bike.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Maximises power transfer
Directional design for efficiency
Sleek silver appearance
#TOP 4

Shimano Ultegra/XT 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link

50-5672-NON-NON
Grey
One Size
Shimano Ultegra/XT 11-Speed Chain with Quick Link Cover
Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain W/Quick Liink

The Shimano 11-Speed Chain is specifically designed for Shimano's 11-speed drivetrains, catering to both road and mountain biking needs. Its Ultegra/XT-level strength ensures it can handle demanding rides, giving you peace of mind on tough terrains. The asymmetric plate design optimises shifting, allowing for smoother transitions between gears. Additionally, the SIL-TEC surface treatment greatly reduces friction, meaning your chain will run more smoothly and last longer, enhancing your overall cycling experience.

What We Like
Optimised for smooth shifting
Durable and long-lasting
Reduces friction
Versatile for road and mountain bikes
#TOP 5

Shimano HG40 6, 7, 8 Speed Mountain Bike Chain

CNHG40116-K
Grey
Shimano HG40 6, 7, 8 Speed Mountain Bike Chain Cover
Shimano HG40 6,7,8 Speed Mountain Bike Chain

The Shimano HG40 Chain is designed for 6, 7, and 8-speed mountain bike drivetrains, making it a reliable choice for your ride. Its Hyperglide technology features chamfered inner plates, which enhance shifting performance, ensuring smoother gear changes when you need them most. The durability of this chain is further supported by a chromising treatment on link pins, providing you with a long-lasting product. Additionally, the unique mushrooming of the pins ensures exceptional side-plate retention, allowing you to ride with confidence, knowing your chain can withstand demanding conditions.

What We Like
Optimised for smooth shifting
Highly durable construction
Exceptional side-plate retention
Compatible with multiple speed drivetrains
#TOP 6

Shimano Deore CN-M6100 12-Speed Chain with Quick Link

Shimano Deore
2091060010
silver
12-speed
Shimano Deore CN-M6100 12-Speed Chain with Quick Link Cover
Shimano Deore CN-M6100 Deore chain with quick link, 12-speed, 126L silver,ICNM6100126Q

The Shimano Deore Chain offers an enhanced cycling experience with its improved chain engagement and retention. This ensures that you can shift gears smoothly, which is essential for maintaining speed and control during your rides. The strength of the chain adds durability, allowing you to tackle various terrains without worry. Additionally, the easy connect feature simplifies the installation process, making it convenient for you to replace or fix your chain when needed.

What We Like
Improved chain engagement
Smooth shifting
Durable strength
Easy installation
#TOP 7

Shimano HG601 11 Speed Bike Chain

CNHG601116Q
silver
Shimano HG601 11 Speed Bike Chain Cover
Shimano CHAIN HG601 11SPEED 116L S/TEC, silver

The Shimano HG601 Chain is designed for both mountain and road biking, making it a versatile choice for cyclists. With its Hyper Glide technology, you can expect smoother gear shifting, enhancing your riding experience. The chain features 116 links, ensuring compatibility with various bike setups. Its robust construction helps improve durability, allowing you to ride with confidence, knowing your chain can withstand the demands of both off-road and on-road conditions.

What We Like
Versatile for MTB and road
Smoother gear shifting
116 links for compatibility
Durable construction
#TOP 8

SHIMANO CN HG53 9 Speed Chain, 116L

E-CNHG53116I
silver
standard size
SHIMANO CN HG53 9 Speed Chain, 116L Cover
SHIMANO CN HG53 9 Speed Chain, Electric CNHG53116I, silver

The SHIMANO CN HG53 Chain is a reliable choice for cyclists seeking performance and value. With a length of 116 links, it provides a perfect fit for various bike setups, ensuring smooth gear changes. Being part of the CAPREO F800 Series, it guarantees compatibility with a range of systems, so you can ride with confidence. This chain is designed to offer excellent durability, which means you can spend more time cycling and less time on maintenance. Choose this chain for a dependable riding experience.

What We Like
High durability
Compatible with multiple systems
116 links for a perfect fit
Great value for money
#TOP 9

Shimano E6090 10 Speed Bike Chain

CNE609010138
Grey
10-way
Shimano E6090 10 Speed Bike Chain Cover
Shimano CHAIN E6090 10 speed 138L S/TEC, Grey

The Shimano E6090 Chain is designed to enhance your cycling experience. With greater efficiency, it allows you to ride longer distances with less effort, making your journeys more enjoyable. Its low wear quality ensures that the chain lasts longer, saving you money on replacements. Installation is easy, so you can quickly get back on your bike. Overall, this high-quality chain is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their bike's performance.

What We Like
Greater efficiency
Less wear
High quality
Easy to install
#TOP 10

Shimano Tiagra 4601 10-Speed Bike Chain

CN4601116
silver
Shimano Tiagra 4601 10-Speed Bike Chain Cover
Shimano CHAIN Tiagra 4601 10 SPEED 116L, Silber

The Shimano Tiagra Chain is a high-quality bike chain designed for 10-speed systems, specifically for 2-speed cranks. This chain is crucial for ensuring smooth gear transitions, allowing you to shift effortlessly while riding. Its 116 links provide the right length for various bike sizes, enhancing compatibility. With a robust construction, it offers durability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements. You'll appreciate the reliable performance this chain brings, especially during longer rides where efficiency is key.

What We Like
High compatibility for various bikes
Smooth gear transitions
Durable construction
116 links for optimal length
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our SHIMANO bike chain research, we found 114 SHIMANO bike chain products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 52,368 customer reviews through our big data system to write the SHIMANO bike chains list. We found that most customers choose SHIMANO bike chains with an average price of £20.23.

The SHIMANO bike chains are available for purchase. The top 10 picks range in price from a low of £9.00 to a high of £30.00, find the one that fits your budget.

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.