Gravel chains and quick links

How to choose your gravel chain

The chain is the fastest-wearing part on a gravel bike: dust, mud and sand make a powerful abrasive. Choosing the right one starts with getting the speed count right; looking after it properly can double the cassette’s lifespan.

Speed count, without exception

Choose a chain based on the number of sprockets number of sprockets on the cassette: from 9 to 13 speeds in this range. The more sprockets, the narrower the chain. An 11-speed chain runs poorly on a 12-speed cassette and wears quickly; the reverse does not work.

Road or MTB: with Shimano, it’s the same

For 12-speed, Shimano has unified its road and MTB chains : the CN-M8100 is both an XT and an Ultegra chain; the CN-M7100 an SLX and 105 chain. That’s good news for gravel bikes, which often combine a road crankset with an MTB cassette.

Proprietary chains

• SRAM Flattop : a chain with flat-topped outer plates, exclusively for SRAM road and XPLR 12- and 13-speed drivetrains. It cannot be used with an Eagle MTB drivetrain, or vice versa.
• Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed : joined using the C-Link specific to Campagnolo.
• KMC offers equivalents for most 10-, 11- and 12-speed drivetrains.

Treatments

• EPT (KMC) and anti-corrosion treatments: the chain resists water and salt. Valuable in winter and on wet trails.
• Waxed chains : supplied with wax instead of grease. They attract much less dust — a real advantage on dry gravel — but need specific maintenance.
• E-Bike Rated : reinforced for e-bikes, they’re also well suited to high-mileage riding.
• The finishes Ti-N gold or coloured finishes are mainly cosmetic.

When to replace it

Measure chain stretch with a chain wear checker : at around 0,5 % on an 11-speed chain or above, it’s time. Replacing the chain promptly protects the cassette and chainrings; wait until it starts skipping and you’ll often need to replace all three.

To find out more: How to choose your bike chain

See also: Gravel cassettes · Gravel chainrings · Quick links and chain pins