Chain length to buy ?

[teisco]

Restoring a Schwinn Voyageur and would like to use a new chain. I am a bit confused as to what length to buy. The bike is a 12 speed so I thought I needed a 12 speed chain but bike shop says I need a 6 speed chain. Is this because it has a derailleur ?

 

[Siestabikes]

get a decent quality chain especially if the bike has index shifting...SRAM, KMC and Shimano are a few good brands. Dont go to Wal mart or the like for a chain and expect to pay about $15 to $25 for one depending on how well you shop. for chain length check out this video:

 

[GTs58]

I'd pick up a 1/2 x 3/32 x 116 link chain and go from there. Get one with the quick link/master which most do come with them but some sellers on eBay don't mention it. Are you going to do the sizing yourself and do you have a chain breaker/tool? How many links are on the existing chain? The number of gears mentioned on the types of chains is for the number of sprockets on the freewheel or cassette.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Restoring a Schwinn Voyageur and would like to use a new chain. I am a bit confused as to what length to buy. The bike is a 12 speed so I thought I needed a 12 speed chain but bike shop says I need a 6 speed chain. Is this because it has a derailleur ?

The speeds refer to the rear caset not the total number of gears.

 

[bloo]

These days "6 speed" means 6 speed in the back. Never mind it it has 2 gears in the front (for 12 speeds) or 3 (for 18). A 12 speed chain would be for a bike with 12 gears in the back.