5 Best Chain for Fixed Gear in 2023 [Top Picks]

Fixed-gear cycling is an eco-friendly transport solution that can give you optimum speed without toiling much because it contains a fixed-gear chain. Having a poor-quality chain means it may fall off frequently or even break in the middle of the road, ruining your day as a result.

That’s why you need a solid and well-built chain for a smooth, hassle-free ride. But, when you see that most of the chains available look almost identical, you can easily get confused.

To make your decision-making process a lot easier, we have come up with this detailed review of the best chain for fixed gear so that you can easily choose the most suitable one for your bike.

As a result of our research, we found KMC Z410 is the most heavy-duty chain with all the requisite qualities. Read the article below to know why we think it is the best.

5 Best Chain for Fixed Gear Reviews

Here, we have selected these five chains for our review because each one of them has some unique features that can improve your riding experience to a great extent.

Let’s go through it and find out which one of these can fulfill your needs the best.

1. KMC Z410 Bicycle Chain

The KMC Z410 is the best fixie chain for its high-quality construction. The chain is made with rust-resistant stainless steel, built to last and provide a hassle-free experience.

This chain will not rust easily due to its high-quality material and will not break in the middle of the road. Even if you ride your bike through a muddy road, this chain will sustain if you use the right lubricant and clean it properly.

Its durable outer and inner plates ensure that this KMC Z140 chain will not often fall off while you are riding. The chain also comes in the right measurement of ⅛ inch, and its 112 links make the chain long enough so that you can set most of all the fixed-gear cycles on the market.

Apart from our test, we found all of its links are durable, and this fixie chain can deliver a hassle-free, non-stop riding experience for up to thousands of miles.

But, it comes with the traditional “snap-on” master links. It requires a chain tool to join it, but for a fixed-gear cycle, you can easily get a chain tool separately when not all the chains are durable, like the KMC Z410.

Pros

• · Appreciable built quality; parity thick, solid.
• · High-quality rust-resistant nickel.
• · Perfect for almost all fixed-gear cycles.
• · Strong inner and outer pallets provide a hassle-free experience.
• · All of the 112 links are durable and long-lasting.

Cons

• It could have 116 links with a safety clip.
• Offers snap-on master links; needs a chain tool to adjust the length.

Short Verdict

Yes. If you are looking for a rust-resistant, single-speed bicycle chain that will last for a long time, this KMC Z410 is the best option. Its durable construction will provide you with consistent performance in the long term.

2. ZONKIE Bike Chain

ZONKIE bike chain is the second-best on the list because of its outstanding polished surface, which can increase the chain’s performance and durability.

The chain surface is polished in such a way that it can hold the right amount of lubricants in each link and provide better sliding without so much friction between each link.

It is also highly durable, and ZONKIE claims that this single-speed chain has gone through multiple forging and hardening in an oil and salt bath, making it able to bear a tensile load of 1,873 lbs. This means it will not easily break or rust.

In terms of links, it features 116 links that you can set in all sizes of the chain wheel, and its durable outer and inner panels are also a plus.

The most important benefit of this chain is that it is so easy to install and join. You will have to use its magic clasp to connect the chains instantly.

Pros

• A polished surface needs less lubricant.
• Extremely durable; long-lasting build quality.
• Its width and length are ideal for a fixed-gear bike.
• Corrosion-free material; rust-resistant.
• The chain is long enough and contains 116 links.

Cons

• Installing the chain might be difficult for newbies.
• Some customers complained ‌they did not receive the extra chain clasp.

Short Verdict

If you are looking for the best fixed-gear bike chain, which has 116 links and a polished surface, choose ZONKIE without any hesitation. Its durable construction will let you enjoy your ride.

3. KMC HL710L Bicycle Chain

We ranked the KMC HL710L third because it is an outstanding performer for mountain biking. The chain comes with durable, hollow pins that will allow you to ascend a mountain with your cycle.

The hollow pins offer the ability to place extended pins through the chain and convey heavy loads without falling off frequently.

This KMC HL710L is also made with a durable aluminum alloy that makes the chin rust-resistant, so this chain will not break while you are riding.

Other requisite components, like the outer and inner plates of this chain, have been assembled appropriately so that you get the optimum speed with a smooth riding experience.

Its ⅛ inch size will be perfect for all fixed-gear bikes, and it will not get stretched in regular riding. Even if you love dirt biking, its high-quality construction will not let you down while riding 1,500 miles or more.

Some consumers have concerns that the chain makes a little noise while riding, but we believe that people who love mountain biking will accept a little noise because of its aggressive performance.

Pros

• · Perfect for mountain and dirt biking.
• · The chain contains hollow pins.
• · It comes in a perfect ⅛ inch size.
• · Made with high-quality, rust-resistant material.
• · Great for aggressive cycling for its long plates.

Cons

• Some customers have objected that it is a little noisy.
• Beginners may face some trouble while fitting the chain with its teeth.

Short Verdict

The KMC HL710L is ideal for people who need an aggressive riding experience and love mountain or dirt biking. Its hollow-pin system and durable plates will deliver you the smoothness you need from a heavy-duty chain.

4. SRAM Chain Power Chain II PC 1 Nickel

The SRAM Power Chain PC 1 is a decent choice for mountain biking. Firstly, the construction of this chain is built with high-quality nickel, which makes the chain durable and rust-proof.

Its chrome-hardened finish process and the cut-out side plates and flush rivet make the chain durable enough for mountain biking.

This chain also comes with hollow pins, which will provide you with smooth gear-shifting performance and will maximize your chain’s longevity.

Its perfect ⅛ inch sizing makes it easily fit in any fixed-gear cycle, and 114 links make the chain long enough so that you can use how much your cycle needs.

All the links are well-equipped with outer and inner plates that offer the ultimate smoothness while riding. And using the right lubricants often enough makes this bike chain last longer.

Replacing the chain is also simple; even beginners will be able to install the chain after reading the instructions properly.

However, the chain may seem too weighty for people who need a slow, high torque for climbing; on the other hand, this chain will be a great match for people looking for a fast, low-torque chain.

Pros

• Easy to replace or install.
• It’s chrome-hardened, nickel-plated.
• Rust-resistant steel.
• 114 links is a sweet spot between 112 and 116.
• Can be ideal for mountain biking.

Cons

• The snap lock system requires a chain tool.
• It may seem too weighty if you need a slow, high torque.

Short Verdict

This SRAM Power Chain PC 1 is ideal for those looking for a heavy-duty, single-speed chain for mountain biking. Its rust-resistant outer and inner plates will provide a smooth cycling experience for a long time.

5. KMC K710 Kool Bicycle Chain

The KMC K710 Kool is specially designed for jumping and aggressive street riding. Its dynamic K feature helps produce more torque with less effort and lets you enjoy a smooth riding experience.

This chain maintains the ideal ⅛ inch size for a single-speed bike, and it is built with high-quality material that makes it durable and rust-proof. That means your chain will not rust quickly and break.

It also features extra-tall plates to help you keep the chain on the sprocket so that you do not experience any unnecessary issues while riding. Also, its 112 links make it long enough to fit on all sizes of a single-speed chainset.

All the components of the chain have been assembled properly, which will prevent your chain from falling off when you are on the road. Moreover, it comes with an anti-drop feature that prevents the chain from frequent falling.

Some people have objected that this chain rusts quickly, which we think can happen when someone does not clean their chain or does not use the right amount of lubricant.

Pros

• The chain is built with quality material.
• Its right size will fit in the chainset properly.
• It comes with mushroomed riveting.
• Its special dynamic K configuration makes it unique.
• The innovative anti-drop design ensures smoothness.
• High-quality inner plate chamfering.

Cons

• It may produce a little noise while riding.
• This model can rust quickly without the proper lubrication.

Short Verdict

The KMC K710 is the best single-speed chain, ideal for people looking for an aggressive street riding chain at a reasonable price. Its dynamic K feature allows it to produce high torque, and its build quality is also decent.

Things To Consider When Buying the Best Chain for fixed gear

You must check several facts when you’re looking for a long-lasting chain for your fixed-gear cycle. To help you make a wise buying decision, we researched and dug out the key aspects of a good-quality chain for you.

Understanding the following aspects will help you buy the best chain for your bike –

Solid Build Quality

To provide a long-lasting experience, your bike chain must be made with high-quality, durable metal. Basically, chains made with high-quality stainless steel, nickel, or alloy last for a long time.

So, make sure your chain is made with high-quality material, which will protect your chain from rust and will not break before its time.

Brands like KMC, ZONKIE, SRAM, and others make their chains with high-quality materials.

High-Quality Chain Component

Basically, there are four major components we see in a fixed-gear chain. If your chain components are high quality, then your chain will perform efficiently. A high-quality chain comprises these four components:

• Outer plates
• Inner plates
• Rivets or pins
• Rollers

Each component plays a crucial role in providing a smooth experience. So, you have to make sure that you are buying a chain that has all the components assembled properly and made with quality materials.

Innovative Design

High-end chains are designed by professional experts so that the links of the chain can easily assist in gear shifts with a small ramp, which allows the chain to deliver optimum speed.

High-quality chains also house the roller pins (inside the chain links) appropriately so that your chain can stay lubricated. This makes the chain more flexible and helps provide more efficient power transfer while riding.

So, make sure you buy a chain with every element assembled innovatively.

Type of Bike Chain

You have to be clear about which type of chain your cycle needs because if your bike supports a derailleur chain, it would not be worth buying a fixed-gear bike chain.

Basically, single-speed/fixed-gear chains are thicker than a derailleur chain. So, make sure you know which types of chain your cycle needs.

Size of the Chain

Fixed-gear chains are generally thicker than derailleur chains, and the ideal size is ⅛ inch. So, it is important to buy a bike chain that comes in the ideal size because the bike chain must be set with the chainset.

Make sure you choose the right size. If you are unsure which size your cycle needs, consult your local mechanic.

How You Can Prevent Your Chain from Breaking?

Usually, a good quality chain does not break before riding 2,500 miles. But, if you do not buy a good quality chain or do not take care of it, then it may keep breaking.

That’s why you need to buy a high-quality bike chain, and you must maintain it carefully. The following maintenance practice can help you prevent breakage before it becomes too old:

• You should ride your bike according to the standard rules. For instance, continuous riding in water can make your fixie chain rusty, and it will break.
• You should use pure lubricants after a certain time that suits your conditions.
• You must clean your bike chain with a brush or a piece of cloth so the unwanted dust cannot cause rust.

If you practice the tasks above, your chain will not stretch out before the minimum riding period.

How You Can Fix a Broken Chain?

What will you do if your chain breaks in the middle of a road where you can’t get a mechanic? Well, fixing a broken chain is simple if you know the right way to do that.

If your chain links are a snap lock type, you must have a chain tool to fix your broken chain. A chain tool is basically a tool that helps you push the chain’s rivets in and out of a chain. To use the chain tool:

• First, find and remove the broken link and measure how much you need to remove.
• Then remove the complete link and prepare a new link to join.
• Then you have to properly position the chain into the lower tones and start threading in the rivet tool until the chain easily comes apart, forcing the chain rivet almost all the way out.

Most of the bike comes with a chain tool, and if you don’t have one, it is advisable to buy a chain tool separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Getting the best chain for fixed gear will let you enjoy a smooth experience on a long ride without your chains falling. For hassle-free riding, you can buy any of these 5 products we talked about in this review.

However, based on our research, the KMC Z410 is the best single-speed chain you can go with for durable, long-lasting performance. You can also choose ZONKIE and SRAM Power Chain PC 1 for a similar riding experience.