Buy KMC Z50 Bicycle Chain (6-7-Speed, 1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Dark

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The KMC Z50 is a fair-quality, 7.3mm wide chain for use on bikes that use sixor seven-sprocket cassettes or freewheels. According to the KMC specifications, the Z50 chain is too wide to work on eight sprockets or more. Also this chain has 116 links which should be long enough for most chainstay lengths and front\rear sprocket combinations on older bikes.

This is not a premium chain, but I don't believe KMC or SRAM make any other 7.3mm wide, 116 link chains for six or seven sprockets. (I am not familiar with the possible Shimano options for this, and their website is not helpful.)

So if you are doing hard riding with many shifts under load, you should check this Z50 chain after a while for stretch, to avoid sprocket and chainring wear. But since this chain is inexpensive, you can obviously buy spares to have on hand.

There are 7.1mm width chains by KMC and SRAM (designed for seven or eight sprockets) that may be be better quality, and these may also work on six sprockets. However, some of these narrower chains have 114 links or less. They may be an inch (2 links) too short for the 116 link chain length needed for a touring bike or old mountain bike with a long chainstay length (greater than 17.5") and a large top chainring and rear sprocket. To check this, you can count the number of links on your current chain. Or use one of the on-line bike chain length calculators that will tell you the needed chain length based on your chainstay length and the size of your largest front chainring and rear sproket.

Unlike the SRAM chains, the Z50 does not come with a master link. You should buy the correct size KMC brand "Missing Link" (master link) for a 7.3mm chain width. These links come in different widths for the various KMC chain widths. The Park brand master link pliers make disassembling the master link easier than doing it by hand, especially if the chain is dirty.

Using a master link to install or remove this chain is the appropriate way of installing and removing the chain rather than just using a screw-type chain tool to push a rivet in or out. Even though this chain has thicker side plates than the narrow chains made for more sprockets, pushing a rivet in and out still weakens the chain somewhat at this point. The master link also makes chain removal for cleaning easier.

KMC Z50 chain specifications:

grey color; weight 369g; 116 links; 7.3mm wide; straight side plates; for 18-21 speed bikes

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I've used these chains for recumbent construction for 18 months now and they hold up well. There is 12 feet of chain on my TriCruiser recumbents and strength with affordability is very important.

Best Deals for KMC Z50 Bicycle Chain (6-7-Speed, 1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Dark

you pay for what you get. this chain is secure. no quick link.

Honest reviews on KMC Z50 Bicycle Chain (6-7-Speed, 1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Dark

Years ago I had a gold colored Shimano chain that seemed to spin with smoother and with a bit less resistance, but this chain is very affordable, $10 to $20 dollars. It works like a charm, shifts perfectly, and holds up well. I have had my chain a few years, do most of my riding on a Blackburn trackstand and then do a 15 or 20 mile ride on the weekends.The Z chain is like a Toyota, reliable as the day is long.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for KMC Z50 Bicycle Chain (6-7-Speed, 1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Dark

Affordable, well-built chain. Bought four so far to equip own and kids' bicycles, all work fine. Long enough to fit extra-large frame, only four links had to come out.