How many links are there in a road bike chain (114, 116, or 118) ?

A new road bike chain generally has 114, 116, or 118 links, depending on the model and brand. This number corresponds to a maximum safe length supplied by the manufacturer, not to the final length to be fitted to your bike: in the vast majority of cases, a few links need to be removed before installation.

For the method and calculation tool, see our chain length guide and calculator.

Standard number of links sold: why 114, 116, or 118 ?

Manufacturers supply their chains with some extra length, designed to cover the majority of bike configurations, from shorter frames to cassettes with the widest gear ranges. A chain sold with 116 links, for example, is not intended to be installed as-is on every bike: it is a starting point that needs to be adjusted, not a universal installation standard.

Why does the number of links vary between models and brands ?

The standard number of links also varies depending on the number of speeds: 11- and 12-speed chains are generally sold with a length slightly greater than what is strictly required for a standard frame, in order to remain compatible with the increasingly common wide-range cassettes. Some brands standardize their chain models at 114 links, while others prefer to supply longer chains by default (116 or 118 links) to cover a wider range of configurations without multiplying the number of commercial references.

Does this number correspond to the chain length I should install on my bike ?

No, in most cases. The number of links indicated on the packaging represents a maximum safe length, not the length to install directly on your bike. Use our chain length calculator to determine the exact number of links to keep for your drivetrain before cutting off the excess.

Links sold vs. links actually installed

Drivetrain Type	Links sold (common reference)	Links typically installed
Double chainring road bike, compact frame	116 or 118	Approximately 112–114
Double chainring road bike, standard frame	114 or 116	Approximately 114–116
1x Gravel, wide-range cassette	116 or 118	Approximately 116–120 (sometimes without cutting)

Indicative values: the exact number of links to keep depends on your specific frame and cassette — see the calculator.

See all our road bike chains →

FAQ — Road bike chain link count

Why does my new chain have more links than necessary?

This is intentional: manufacturers supply a maximum safe length designed to cover the majority of bike configurations. It is normal, and even standard practice, to remove a few links before the final installation.

Can you use a 118-link chain without cutting it?

In some cases, such as a very wide-range cassette or a long frame, yes. However, in most standard road bike configurations, an uncut chain will be too long, which can result in insufficient tension and gear skipping. Always check with the calculator before installing the chain without cutting it.

Is the number of links related to the number of speeds?

Indirectly. The number of speeds mainly determines the width of the chain, not its length. Chain length primarily depends on the frame geometry and cassette range, regardless of the number of speeds.

What should you do with the removed links?

Keep them: they can be used as spare links for a future repair on a chain with the same reference, provided they are from the same generation and designed for the same number of speeds.