Performance BMX chains are an important part of your setup. This is because they’re responsible for transferring power from the rider’s momentum to propel you quickly.
The best BMX chain is the KMC Z410 as it offers you with a a ‘Drop-buster’ configuration for durability, whilst remaining lightweight at 0.7lbs and being a standard size of 1/8-Inch.
Buying a new BMX chain can be a difficult task as there are many factors to look over such as weight, number of links and compatibility with BMX cranks.
BMX Chains Comparison
| BMX Chains | Width | Links |
|---|---|---|
| KMC Z410 | 1/8 Inch | 116 |
| KMC K710 | 1/8 Inch | 112 |
| KMC HL710L | 1/8 Inch | 112 |
| ODYSSEY Bluebird Chain | 1/8 Inch | 122 |
| KMC K810 BMX Chain | 1/2 Inch | 122 |
| Zonkie | 1/8 Inch | 116 |
| Diamondback BMX Chain | 1/8 Inch | 116 |
| Eastern Bikes | 1/8 Inch | 100 |
It is an important factor to look at the amount of links a BMX chain will have. As this can make a difference of pedalling efficiency. This is because the more links a BMX chain has, the greater the efficiency it’ll have which leads to less pressure on the rider.
Also, ensure to check out the standard fit of the chain and ensure it is a standard fit size of 1/8-inch. This will make it suitable for most BMX bike brands on the market!
Below is a list of all of the best BMX chains along with their features.
The Best BMX Chains 2022
1. KMC Z410 BMX Bike Chain
The KMC Z410 is the best BMX chain on the market as the chain is affordable, durable and a smooth rider. It works very well, has a limber and smooth operation with little side-to-side play or bend as it comes in a standard fit size of 1/8-inch.
Other features of the Zonkie BMX Chain include:
- Total Links: 116
- Weight: 317 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inch
- Color-ways: 12
The KMC Z410 is a great BMX chain as it has a ‘Dropbuster’ configuration. This means it has a oversized chain plating for landing and grinding.
Additionally, the Z410 comes with nickel plated protection which means it is rust resistant. This further enables its durability, as it has a heavy duty construction design for it’s strength and proven capability whilst riding.
Check it Out2. KMC K710 BMX Chain
The KMC K710 is the best BMX chain on the market designed for more experienced riders as the chain is super-heavy duty, durable and designed for jumping and aggressive street riding style.
Other features of the Zonkie BMX Chain include:
- Total Links: 112
- Weight: 317 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inch
- Color-ways: 6
Similar to the previous KMC Z410 as metioned earlier in the post, the K710 comes with a bushing-less design which is normal for a BMX chain. Although the unique advantage of the KMC K710 is that it is a heavy duty model which comes with thick side plates for 25% higher tensile strength than the Z410.
In conclusion, the KMC K710 comes with nickel plated protection similar to the Z410, which means it is rust resistant than most other chains on the market. This further enables its durability, as it has a heavy duty construction design for it’s strength and proven capability.
Check it Out3. KMC HL710L Bicycle Chain
The final BMX chain is one of the more preferred chain for most riders as the KMC HL710L comes in over six different color-ways, as well as the option of buying two or three in one pack allowing you to have spares if anything went wrong.
Other features of the KMC HL710L Chain include:
- Total Links: 112
- Weight: 408 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inch
- Color-ways: 6
The KMC HL710L has a very impressive design, as it is an entire chain made of half-links, as well as being ‘Bull’s-eye’ riveted chain at a all round light weight of only 408 grams!
The KMC HL710L is also impressive in the fact that its rust resistant with ‘Stretch-Proof’ pins. These make the BMX chain exceptional for durability for any style or level of rider.
Check it Out4. ODYSSEY Bluebird BMX Chain
The best riders choice for a BMX chain has to be the Odyssey Bluebird chain. This can be due to the fact that Odyssey have taken a reliable and proven KMC 510-HX chain and added half link at one end!
Other features of the Odyssey Bluebird Chain include:
- Total Links: 122
- Weight: 264 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inch
- Color-ways: 3
Overall, if you’re going to be basing your decision on a new BMX chain based on reputation in the BMX community, then the most suitable option for you is the Odyssey Bluebird Chain. It’s half-link assembly are radically stronger than the standard workshop originals.
Check it Out5. KMC K810 BMX Chain
The most durable BMX chains on the market come from KMC, with chains such as their KMC K810. This can be due to its special dynamic configuration plates and scratch proof mushroomed pins for durability.
Other features of the KMC K810 include:
- Total Links: 122
- Weight: 150 Grams
- Width: 1/2 Inch
- Color-ways: 2
Ultimately the KMC K810 is an awesome replacement BMX chain for your setup, with features that out-weigh its competitors in the same price range. Attributes that set itself far above its competitors include its oversized outer plates and super tall inner plates for performance and durability.
Check it Out6. Zonkie Bike Chain Single-Speed
The best budget BMX chain that’s perfect as a replacement chain is the Zonkie Bike Chain. This is because it offers incredible attributes such as its smooth lubrication and surface polishing, that other budget chain competitors do not.
Other features of the Zonkie BMX Chain include:
- Total Links: 116
- Weight: 339 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inch
- Color-ways: 1
Ultimately if you’re searching for a budget BMX chain that is easy to install onto your setup, then the most suitable chain for your BMX on the market is the Zonkie BMX Chain.
Check it Out7. Diamondback Chain
The Diamondback chain is the best BMX chain on the market designed for average riders as the chain is super durable, affordable and designed for a skate park and street orientated riding style.
Other features of the Diamondback BMX Chain include:
- Total Links: 116
- Weight: 453 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inch
- Color-ways: 1
The Diamondback comes with a high quality steel construction with heavy duty link plates. This ensures that the Diamondback chain is by far one of the toughest on the market.
Check it Out8. Eastern Bikes BMX Chain
The Eastern Bikes chain is one of the best BMX chains on the market designed for beginner/average riders as the chain is super reliable, easy to setup design and created for a skate park and street orientated riding style.
Other features of the Eastern Bikes BMX Chain include:
- Total Links: 100
- Weight: 408 Grams
- Width: 1/8 Inches
- Color-ways: 2
This is probably one of the most unique chains for riding as it comes as a half-links. These BMX chains allow riders to make incremental adjustments to their wheelbase, making it more adaptable for a wide range of drive trains. The chain comes in two different colorways and is made from rust resistant steel with thick out-layer plates protecting the chain.
BMX Chains Buying Guide
Purchasing a new BMX chain can be a challenging task as a new or experienced rider, however in this guide we show key crucial factors you should keep an eye out for before purchase that will enable you to make the perfect purchase.
Be Sure to Check Link Lengths
It is an important factor to look at the amount of links a BMX chain will have, as this can make a difference of pedalling efficiency. This is because the more links a BMX chain has, the greater amount of forward momentum it’ll have which leads to less pressure on the rider. This works vice-versa as the lesser amount of links you have the greater amount of effort you’ll need to put down in order to produce a greater amount of forward momentum.
Check for BMX Chains Plated Protection
Another important point to keep an eye out for is if firstly the chain has plate protection, which means that when you have high impact landings or if you’re grinding, the chain is protected and durable. Secondly make sure the chain has some sort of rust-resistance on it to prevent it from rusting!
Conclusion – Best BMX Chains
Overall there are a number of BMX chains out there however not having the correct preferences can make your riding experience tiring, furthermore its vital that you ensure the chain is of the standard fit of 1/8-inch so it can fit your drive-train set!
