2018 Rad City chain upgrade

fnkyhd

fnkyhd

Member
I just broke my chain so I clown pedaled to the rad shop and got one. He said it should have 122 links but the old one had 118. the new one he sold me looks really cheap and very obviously not as beefy as the original, plus i think i ruined it trying to get it back together. Is there a better quality upgrade? These bikes take a lot of torque and when the electric motor shuts off (which it does sometimes on a hill) there is a sudden surge of torque on the chain. Any suggestions on where I might find a better quality chain? preferably one with a master link! thanks!
 
fnkyhd said:
my bike has 7 speeds but the KMC 7 has only 114 links
Click to expand...
You can buy the 8sp
They're both 1/2 x 3/32 but the 8sp is 122 links

Screenshot_20250906_192729_Chrome~2.jpg
 
Gionnirocket said:
How many speed chain do you need?
The KMC "e" chains are nice
This is an 8 speed.... But they come in all flavors
Click to expand...
Ditto on the KMC e chain. Happy with mine. I don’t know why your guy used a chain with fewer links to replace the one you had. That’s sloppy.

You need a couple of tools to change a chain; a chain breaker tool to pop out links, and a master link pliers to remove (and installl) the master link.

Recommend you count the links to make sure you’ve got it right. Do you have the originall chain? If not, don’t use the “side-by-side” method as the clown who replaced your chain went too short (if your information is correct).
 
following up: i ordered the KMC E8 from Amazon. seller was called "Protea Tools" I received a damaged chain in a package sealed with electrical tape. the chain had the master link improperly fitted and that link was frozen :rolleyes:. sent it back. ordering a new one now. let's see how many tries it takes to get an actual new one!
 
fnkyhd said:
following up: i ordered the KMC E8 from Amazon. seller was called "Protea Tools" I received a damaged chain in a package sealed with electrical tape. the chain had the master link improperly fitted and that link was frozen :rolleyes:. sent it back. ordering a new one now. let's see how many tries it takes to get an actual new one!
Click to expand...
Last I purchased one it came direct from Amazon and was a few dollars cheaper. Bad timing.
 
i couldn't find another E8 so I went for the E9. it still has a master link, should be ok if i remove some. will hang it next to the old one to be sure
 
You can buy it directly from KMC... Give them your email and they give you a $10 discount on your first order.
Shipping is $10...not sure if they collect tax.
kmcchain.us

E8

KMC E8 Bicycle Chain is designed for eBikes, offering durable, reliable 8-speed performance with enhanced strength and smooth shifting—ideal for electric commuter and city bikes.
kmcchain.us kmcchain.us
Screenshot_20250908_201301_Chrome.jpg
 
fnkyhd said:
ooh thanks! order cancelled in time! 👍 will keep looking. probably a shop around here has one.
Click to expand...
Alternatively the KMC X8 is a decent chain.
Not eBike rated but I got about 3000 mi out of them with a 750w mid drive... and they're about half the price.
BUT... you may not find it at 122 links as I think the standard is 116. But I've found bike shops on Ebay that sell it as a bulk reel cut.
 
Last edited:
A hub motor bike shouldn't need an ebike rated chain because the chain has less load than even a pedal bike.
If he's breaking chains there is something else wrong.
 
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