Bike Sense

How to measure Drive chains

Drive chains are sold by pitch (e.g. 520) and link count. Master links and rivets are separate parts.

Pretoria workshop · WhatsApp 079 231 2573 · info@bikesense.co.za · All measuring guides

Drive chains — pitch and links

A drive (final) chain listing looks like 520-120 — pitch 520 and 120 links. Master links and rivet links are sold separately and are not a full chain.

Diagram: read drive chain pitch and count links
Pitch is stamped on side plates (520, 525, 530…). Count links pin-to-pin for the full loop length.
  1. Read the pitch stamp Look on a side plate for 420 / 428 / 520 / 525 / 530. Pitch must match your sprockets.
  2. Count the links One link = one pin. Listings such as 520-118 mean 118 links. Clip vs rivet joiners are a separate choice.
  3. Don’t confuse with cam chains Timing/cam chains use different codes (e.g. SCA0412A SV × 82LE). Use the timing-chain guide for those.
  4. Guides and sliders are separate Plastic chain guides and blocks are not the chain. Order the chain from Drive Chains / Chains & Links.

Still unsure? Send us the numbers

Use the form below, or WhatsApp a photo of the old part. We’ll reply from the Pretoria counter before you pay for the wrong size.

WhatsApp 079 231 2573

Send your measurements

We’ll email info@bikesense.co.za and reply when we’ve checked the size. Prefer chat? WhatsApp 079 231 2573.