Bicycle chain

A linked metal chain that transfers power from a bicycle’s pedals to a driven sprocket. Its articulated links engage toothed sprockets while allowing the drivetrain to bend around them.

Roller chain: A chain made of alternating inner and outer links, with rollers that engage sprocket teeth. The bicycle chain is a specialized roller chain whose rollers mesh with drivetrain sprockets.
Bicycle drivetrain: The system of bicycle components that transfers pedaling force to the driven wheel. The chain is the flexible link between the drivetrain’s crankset and rear sprockets.
Bicycle chain wear: The progressive increase in effective chain pitch caused mainly by wear at pins and bushings. Wear changes how the chain fits sprocket teeth and can accelerate drivetrain damage.
Belt drive bicycle: A bicycle that transmits pedal power through a toothed belt instead of a metal chain. A belt drive avoids metal chain lubrication but requires compatible frame and drivetrain parts.
Chain link: An individual articulated unit in a chain, joined to adjacent units by pins. Pins and plates let each link bend around sprockets without separating under tension.
Crankset: The bicycle assembly of crank arms and one or more front chainrings. The crankset turns the front chainring that pulls the chain.
Bicycle chain lubrication: The application of lubricant to reduce friction and corrosion in a bicycle chain. Lubrication limits friction at the chain’s moving joints and helps resist corrosion.
Shaft drive bicycle: A bicycle that transfers pedal power to the rear wheel through a rotating shaft and gears. Shaft drives replace the exposed flexible chain with an enclosed geared transmission.
Bicycle sprocket: A toothed wheel that engages a bicycle chain to transmit rotation. Its teeth engage the chain rollers and determine how chain movement becomes wheel rotation.
Cassette (bicycle part): A cluster of rear sprockets mounted on a bicycle’s freehub body. The chain engages one cassette sprocket at a time to select a rear gear.

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