Question: I see these specific eBike chains for sale, do I need a special chain for my converted mountain eBike? – Arthur, Grand Junction, CO
Answer: The amount of torque coming out of electric motors will wear a normal chain down much faster compared to an eBike specific chain. Here are the pros & cons of eBike specific chains:
Pros
- Longer lifespan: With a typical 600-750W setup a normal high grade mountain bike chain will last around 1,500 – 2,000 miles. Ebike chains are designed to last for approximately 3,000 miles.
- Noise: This is subjective but many riders say eBike specific chains are quieter than standard chains.
- Compatibility: Ebike chains on OEM bikes were designed to be used with specific cassettes, cranks and other components.
Cons
- Price: Ebike chains cost around double the price of normal bike chains.
Whenever we do a mid-drive motor conversion we always spec out a new Ebike specific chain. Even thought they cost more and don’t present the same value scale as a normal chain we feel the insurance of riding with a beefed up chain more than makes up for the extra cost. There’s a reason why motorcycle chains are so much bigger than bicycle chains. Almost all OEM e-mountain bikes on the market today come with eBike specific chains for this very reason.
Ludwig Von Heinrich (AKA Dr. Dirt) is a German-American born PHD engineer, cycling historian and author who serves as our experienced mentor on all things bicycle. Dr. Dirt has cycled on all 7 continents (yes even Antarctica!) and has been credited with repairing over 10,000 bikes over his career. Dr. Dirt was an early fan of e-bikes and even had one of the first Montage folding e-bikes from the early 1990’s.
While not on staff Dr. Dirt does provide valuable guidance, motivation, and feedback for what we are trying to accomplish here. If you have a cycling or e-bike question please drop him a note at drdirt@dirtrevo.com.