Fixed gear chain - drive and brake

The chain on a fixed gear is under much greater strain than on any freewheel bike. It's constantly working, and above all, it transfers forces in both directions, being compressed and stretched during both acceleration and braking. For this reason, a fixed gear chain, regardless of the gear ratio , wears out quite quickly – usually, a few hundred kilometers are enough to completely wear it out. It's not unusual to have to tighten it every week during intense riding. This is worth remembering, as a loose chain can fall off under braking. And that's not fun (it happened to me, I don't recommend it). Choosing a fixed gear chain is therefore not only a matter of economy but also safety. Find out when to replace your chain

Which one will be the best?

Heavy. A fixed-gear chain isn't the place to skimp on weight. More material translates to greater durability (at least with decent steel). A model designed for track riding is best. If it can withstand the leg of a professional track cyclist, it's good for anything. Our favorite is the Izumi-V Super Toughness . 380 grams of NJS-certified Japanese steel ensures three times the lifespan of typical competition. And it looks amazing, too. A slightly cheaper alternative is the DID Track Racing PRO NJS . While it's a bit flashy (a plus for me), it's also very durable and works great. It's safe to say that all Izumi and DID products will be a good choice. Both manufacturers also offer more budget-friendly models that still stand out from the competition.

Fixed gear chain - cheap models you can rely on

Fixed-gear bikes are often budget-friendly. Are there any affordable chains worth recommending? Fortunately, yes. This includes, first and foremost, the entire KMC brand. For around 30-40 PLN, you can buy a chain that, while not as durable as typical track chains, is safe and relatively corrosion-resistant. A Shimano Nexus is also a good choice. It's well-protected against rust, but looks... hmm... average. Its durability is average. You can find it at any bike shop, though.

And finally - what not to buy?

Very cheap chains. This is the component your life depends on. Don't trust it to a 15 złoty no-name junk. It's worth paying the extra to be sure the chain won't break. We also advise against colored chains. They get dirty very quickly and look sloppy, and they're usually more expensive than traditional equivalents. A fixed gear with a narrow, road chain is also a bad idea – it will wear out the drivetrain very quickly.