Ebike Specific Chains for Mid-Drive Motors?

[mail_e36]

Hi friends,

I'm wondering if anyone uses an ebike-specific chain for their mid-drive ebikes?

I just noticed that KMC sells apparently an ebike specific chain, called the 'KMC e9 Sport 9-Speed E-Bike Chain'.

Any thoughts on this, or should I continue to use a standard bicycle KMC chain, which has a 'strength' rating of 3/5, per the manufacturer listing on the box?

I feel like this may handle tension better, perhaps? Any input would be highly appreciated

Amazon.com

 

[fooferdoggie]

I only tested this once. I have use shimano and KMC regular 10 speed chains and one shimano e bike chain. I get 2000 to 2500 miles on a chain depending on how much rain I ride in. but the ebike chain gave me an extra 500 miles but it is almost twice the price. so I never found it worth the extra cost.

 

[mail_e36]

I only tested this once. I have use shimano and KMC regular 10 speed chains and one shimano e bike chain. I get 2000 to 2500 miles on a chain depending on how much rain I ride in. but the ebike chain gave me an extra 500 miles but it is almost twice the price. so I never found it worth the extra cost.

Great input, are you riding a hub drive or mid drive motor?

2,000+ miles is very impressive!

 

[tomjasz]

I have flat foot bikes with BBS01 350 and 500W motors that use 132L chains. I buy cheap chains and because I’m a careful shifter the last for several thousand miles. I bought a couple of whipperman Connex eBike chains but had to go back to OEM chainrings to use them. The didn’t run on narrow wide bling rings from Lekkie or Luna.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Great input, are you riding a hub drive or mid drive motor?

2,000+ miles is very impressive!

bosch mid drive.

 

[Sparky731]

My Trek has a mid drive Bosch system. The original chain (cassette and derailleur) needed replacement at 1,200 miles. I switched to Trek’s ebike chain. @3,300 miles I replaced the cassette again, but the chain is showing no wear, now @ 4,500 miles. I clean it every 300 miles.

 

[fooferdoggie]

My Trek has a mid drive Bosch system. The original chain (cassette and derailleur) needed replacement at 1,200 miles. I switched to Trek’s ebike chain. @3,300 miles I replaced the cassette again, but the chain is showing no wear, now @ 4,500 miles. I clean it every 300 miles.

your cassette is wearing pretty fast. I got 14k on my last cassette and 2000 miles a chain.

 

[Sparky731]

your cassette is wearing pretty fast. I got 14k on my last cassette and 2000 miles a chain.

Yes, the cassette wore faster than anticipated, (it was a SRAM) however, it could be my riding style. I ride turbo only, usually riding >27mph and averaging over 20mph. My Trek service manager advised me to start in lower gears but rarely do I shift lower than 7 on my 9 speed. I don’t mind spending a few bucks now and then for the thrill of the ride. (I am 71 yrs old — gotta ride while I still can!)

 

[K PierreR]

I just replaced my chain with the KMC 11 speed e bike specific chain. We will see what happens. Up until now I have been using Shimano 105 11 speed chains and getting 2,200 miles or so. I have a BBSHD mid drive and 300 lb of me and the bike. I am a power hog often pulling 400-600 watts continuous on some rides. Lots of climbing.
I tend to wear out 11 and 13 tooth cogs. Right now I have a 9 speed 13 tooth that seems to shift okay. It's from a worn out XTR cassette.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Yes, the cassette wore faster than anticipated, (it was a SRAM) however, it could be my riding style. I ride turbo only, usually riding >27mph and averaging over 20mph. My Trek service manager advised me to start in lower gears but rarely do I shift lower than 7 on my 9 speed. I don’t mind spending a few bucks now and then for the thrill of the ride. (I am 71 yrs old — gotta ride while I still can!)

hey as long as you have the balls to do it why not?

 

[rich c]

Yes, the cassette wore faster than anticipated, (it was a SRAM) however, it could be my riding style. I ride turbo only, usually riding >27mph and averaging over 20mph. My Trek service manager advised me to start in lower gears but rarely do I shift lower than 7 on my 9 speed. I don’t mind spending a few bucks now and then for the thrill of the ride. (I am 71 yrs old — gotta ride while I still can!)

I'm 70 and am just now changing the cassette on my 2016 Haibike Trekking with Bosch at 7,000 miles. I'm not in a hurry when riding for exercise and pleasure.

 

[mail_e36]

thanks for all the responses folks, this is very helpful!

 

[ElevenAD]

Wow, riding style seems to be huge factor when choosing a chain! Not sure if E-Bike specific would be worth it for me.

 

[ngant17]

Hi friends,

I'm wondering if anyone uses an ebike-specific chain for their mid-drive ebikes?

I just noticed that KMC sells apparently an ebike specific chain, called the 'KMC e9 Sport 9-Speed E-Bike Chain'.

Any thoughts on this, or should I continue to use a standard bicycle KMC chain, which has a 'strength' rating of 3/5, per the manufacturer listing on the box?

I feel like this may handle tension better, perhaps? Any input would be highly appreciated

Amazon.com

I'll point out that motorcycle chains are stronger than bicycle chains for a reason. The torque coming out of a gasoline engine will stress the mechanical components of a weaker chain and break it at the weakest link. Guaranteed every time.

Same deal with an ebike if you have my setup. I've been through at least 3 bicycle chains in the last month or so, usually the master link is pulled out enough to drop a link, then I'm DOA. I using single speed trannies with a 750 watt Bafang mid-engine, horizontal (sliding) dropouts to keep the chain tight. I'm eventually going to a Gates system for a belt drive just to avoid losing master links since I have a split in the frame chainstay. I'm tired of walking back home nursing a dead bike with broken chains. Yes it's great exercise but I'd like to plan all my long distance hiking with a scheduled time frame not on the unpredictable whims from weak chains on a bike. In the meantime, I'm going with KMC e1 chain designed specifically for ebikes, very pricey but it's a necessity with my ebike.

 

[mail_e36]

As the original poster, quick update from the last post:
I have switched to an ebike-rated chain (the one shown in image from post in 2022).
While I cannot say with certainty whether there is an actual difference, I feel like it's an inexpensive insurance policy against the (likely weaker?) non-ebike chain... either that or just good marketing on the part of KMC... LOL either way happy with the ebike chain connected to the Bafang Mid Drive.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I just went through my first KMC e bike 10 speed chain. I usually get 2000 miles on a chain and I got 3500. Plus since I needed a little longer chain I would have to use 1 and 1/3 chain with the e bike chain only one chain is needed.