The best MTB chain is the one that matches your drivetrain, and that matters even more when replacing a chain on an eMTB. Shimano HYPERGLIDE+, CUES/LINKGLIDE, conventional SRAM Eagle and SRAM T-Type use different designs. Count the sprockets, identify the system and check the length before comparing prices.
ELECTRIC MTB UK THE SHORTLIST
Best MTB and eMTB chains: the shortlist
Six picks for different buying priorities. Jump to the full product cards for details and retailer options.
For a compatible Shimano 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ setup, the CN-M8100 is our best overall pick. The cheaper Deore CN-M6100 is a sensible alternative when keeping replacement costs down matters most. Neither is a universal 12-speed chain: SRAM and LINKGLIDE owners need the matching option below.
This guide covers eight replacements for common mountain-bike drivetrains, from older 10- and 11-speed systems to Eagle Transmission. A new chain is routine maintenance, not an automatic gearing upgrade. Matching the cassette, chainring and connector is more useful than choosing the most expensive finish.
The best MTB and eMTB chains in detail
Shimano CN-M8100
Our first choice for a compatible Shimano 12-speed HG+ eMTB drivetrain.
At Tredz
12-speed HG+; 126 links
+ Pros
- Designed for Shimano HG+ shifting
- SIL-TEC surface treatment
- 126-link supplied length
− Cons
- Does not fit SRAM T-Type
- Check required length before purchase
Compare prices
12-speed HG+; 126 links
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The M8100 is the balanced choice for a Shimano 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+ drivetrain. Its shaped inner plates work with the matching chainring and cassette, while the surface treatment gives it a useful specification above the basic Deore option. The cheaper M6100 remains worth considering when replacement cost is the priority. Choose this chain for the drivetrain it fits, rather than the XT or Ultegra name on the packaging: the same model is sold for both disciplines. The 126-link version provides a starting length, not a ready-to-fit length for every bike. Size it to Shimano’s instructions, check the marked side faces the correct way and fit the specified Quick-Link. Regular cleaning and timely wear checks are still essential on a muddy eMTB; a more expensive chain cannot rescue worn cassette teeth.
Key specifications
- Drivetrain
- Shimano 12-speed HG+
- Length
- 126 links
- Surface treatment
- SIL-TEC
- Connector
- Shimano Quick-Link
- Colour
- Silver
Shimano CN-LG500
The economical Shimano replacement for a compatible LINKGLIDE drivetrain.
At Tredz
LINKGLIDE/CUES 9–11-speed; 138 links
+ Pros
- Low replacement price
- One family serves several LINKGLIDE speeds
- 138-link supplied length
− Cons
- Not Shimano 12-speed HG+
- Not a generic chain for every 9/10-speed system
Compare prices
LINKGLIDE/CUES 9–11-speed; 138 links
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The sensible low-cost choice when your eMTB has a compatible Shimano LINKGLIDE or CUES drivetrain. Its use across several LINKGLIDE speed counts makes the system name more useful than the number of sprockets alone. Shimano also specifies 11-speed HYPERGLIDE compatibility. Confirm the exact cassette, derailleur and chainring combination rather than interpreting the 9–11-speed listing as universal compatibility.
Key specifications
- Drivetrain
- LINKGLIDE/CUES 9–11-speed
- Other compatibility
- Shimano 11-speed HYPERGLIDE
- Length
- 138 links
- Connector
- Shimano Quick-Link
- Colour
- Silver
Shimano Deore CN-M6100
A low-cost replacement for a compatible Shimano 12-speed HG+ drivetrain.
At Tredz
126 links; Shimano 12-speed HG+
+ Pros
- Low replacement price
- Correct HG+ plate profile
- Quick-Link supplied
− Cons
- Not for SRAM Eagle or T-Type
- Check that 126 links is long enough
Compare prices
126 links; Shimano 12-speed HG+
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Choose the M6100 when your Shimano 12-speed HG+ drivetrain needs a straightforward replacement and price matters more than premium surface treatments. Matching the chain to the cassette and chainring is more important than the groupset badge. Follow Shimano’s sizing and directional installation instructions; a longer eMTB may need a longer supplied chain.
Key specifications
- Drivetrain
- Shimano 12-speed HG+
- Supplied length
- 126 links
- Connector
- Shimano Quick-Link
- Use
- Compatible MTB and eMTB drivetrains
SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type
The value pick for an eMTB with a compatible SRAM T-Type Transmission drivetrain.
At Tredz
126 links; silver; 12-speed T-Type
+ Pros
- T-Type fit at a lower price
- Solid-pin construction
- T-Type PowerLock included
− Cons
- Not for conventional Eagle
- Not a road Flattop replacement
Compare prices
126 links; silver; 12-speed T-Type
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Eagle 70 makes sense when you want to keep a T-Type drivetrain running without paying for the most expensive chain in the range. SRAM explicitly approves it for eMTBs. Its flat upper profile does not mean it fits every flat-top drivetrain: use it only with the specified T-Type system and size it using that system’s instructions.
Key specifications
- System
- SRAM Eagle Transmission T-Type
- Speeds
- 12
- Supplied length
- 126 links
- Pins
- Solid
- Inner links
- Chrome hardened
- Outer links
- Polished steel
- Connector
- T-Type PowerLock, single use
- E-bike approval
- Yes
KMC e10
A dedicated mid-motor e-bike replacement for compatible 10-speed derailleur drivetrains.
At Tredz
Silver; 122 links; 10-speed
+ Pros
- Designed for mid-motor e-bikes
- Non-directional installation
- Useful 10-speed option
− Cons
- 122 links may not suit every frame
- Not a 12-speed upgrade
Compare prices
Silver; 122 links; 10-speed
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The e10 is for riders maintaining an existing 10-speed eMTB, rather than changing its gearing. Its mid-motor design and non-directional construction make it a sensible shortlist option, but count the required links before buying. A chain that is too short cannot be made suitable simply because the speed count matches.
Key specifications
- Speeds
- 10
- Supplied length
- 122 links
- Pin length
- 5.88mm
- Direction
- Non-directional
- Connector
- KMC MissingLink, non-reusable
- Use
- Compatible mid-motor e-bike derailleur drivetrains
SRAM S200 Eagle
A straightforward replacement for conventional SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrains.
At Tredz
126 links; conventional Eagle 12-speed
+ Pros
- Conventional Eagle compatibility
- Solid pins
- Eagle PowerLock connector
− Cons
- Not compatible with T-Type Transmission
- Confirm the required chain length before cutting
Compare prices
126 links; conventional Eagle 12-speed
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
Choose S200 when your bike uses the conventional Eagle system and you want a correctly matched replacement. The important distinction is the drivetrain family, not whether shifting is mechanical or electronic: conventional Eagle and T-Type require different chains. S200 keeps the choice simple with solid pins and an Eagle PowerLock.
Key specifications
- System
- Conventional SRAM Eagle
- Speeds
- 12
- Length
- 126 links
- Pins
- Solid
- Connector
- Eagle PowerLock
KMC e11
A mid-motor e-bike chain for riders keeping an 11-speed derailleur drivetrain in service.
At Tredz
Silver; 122 links; 11-speed
+ Pros
- Designed for mid-motor e-bikes
- Non-directional
- Nickel-plated finish
− Cons
- Check 122-link length before ordering
- Not a substitute for 12-speed chains
Compare prices
Silver; 122 links; 11-speed
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The e11 is a practical replacement candidate for an existing 11-speed eMTB. Buy it for the correct drivetrain fit rather than an expectation that a new chain will cure worn sprockets. If skipping continues after fitting a correctly sized chain, inspect the cassette and chainring before spending more on another chain.
Key specifications
- Speeds
- 11
- Supplied length
- 122 links
- Finish
- Nickel plated
- Direction
- Non-directional
- Connector
- KMC MissingLink, non-reusable
- Use
- Compatible mid-motor e-bike derailleur drivetrains
SRAM GX Eagle 90 T-Type
A higher-specification T-Type replacement with hardened inner links and solid pins.
At Tredz
Silver; 126 links; 12-speed T-Type
+ Pros
- Approved for eMTB use
- Chrome-hardened inner links
- T-Type PowerLock included
− Cons
- Costs more than Eagle 70
- T-Type compatibility only
Compare prices
Silver; 126 links; 12-speed T-Type
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-28 07:24 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
GX Eagle 90 is the step-up T-Type choice for a compatible Eagle Transmission drivetrain. Its nickel-finished outer links and chrome-hardened inner links give it a different finish from the lower-priced Eagle 70, while solid pins suit the loads of an eMTB. The important purchase decision is still the system match: it cannot replace a conventional Eagle chain just because both have 12 speeds. At the prices shown, Eagle 70 is the economical way to keep a T-Type bike running; choose GX Eagle 90 if you want its particular construction and finish. Fit the supplied T-Type PowerLock, size the chain using SRAM’s Transmission procedure and check wear regularly. A premium chain still needs cleaning after gritty rides and cannot compensate for a worn cassette.
Key specifications
- System
- SRAM Eagle Transmission T-Type
- Speeds
- 12
- Supplied length
- 126 links
- Inner links
- Chrome hardened
- Outer links
- Nickel finish
- Pins
- Solid
- Connector
- T-Type PowerLock, single use
- E-bike approval
- Yes
Which chain fits your mountain bike?
Start with the model markings on the chain, cassette and rear derailleur—the mechanism that moves the chain between the rear sprockets. The bike’s original specification is useful, but check what is fitted now if components have been changed. Motor branding does not settle the question: two Bosch- or Avinox-powered bikes can need completely different chains.
Shimano 12-speed HYPERGLIDE+: the CN-M8100 and CN-M6100 here belong to this family. Their plate shape is designed to work with the matching cassette and chainring. HG+ is short for HYPERGLIDE+, and should not be confused with every older Shimano chain carrying an HG name.
Shimano CUES and LINKGLIDE: the CN-LG500 serves the approved 9-, 10- and 11-speed CUES/LINKGLIDE combinations. Shimano also specifies compatibility with its 11-speed HYPERGLIDE systems. That does not make it a generic replacement for every nine- or ten-speed bike. Check the component combination against Shimano’s technical documents.
Conventional SRAM Eagle: the S200 suits the original Eagle 12-speed family. Eagle Transmission: the Eagle 70 and GX Eagle 90 options here use T-Type chains. Mechanical versus electronic shifting is not enough to tell the two families apart. Likewise, a flat upper profile does not mean a road Flattop chain fits a mountain-bike Transmission drivetrain. Use SRAM’s compatibility guidance for the exact combination.
Older 10- and 11-speed eMTBs: the KMC e10 and e11 offer mid-motor replacements for compatible derailleur systems. A mid-motor is mounted around the cranks and drives through the chain. Match the model to the drivetrain; an e-bike label alone is not proof that it fits a newer system.
Chain length: check before ordering
The link count on the packet is the supplied length. These KMC options have 122 links, the listed HG+ and SRAM chains have 126, and the CN-LG500 has 138. A longer frame, larger chainring or different cassette can change how much chain is required. The right model in a pack that is too short is still the wrong purchase.
Use the drivetrain maker’s sizing procedure, including any instructions for suspension position and frame-specific setup. Do not automatically copy an old chain that may already have been sized incorrectly. SRAM Transmission also has its own setup process; follow that rather than applying a generic rule. Extra links can be removed with a compatible chain tool.
Quick-links and fitting direction
A quick-link joins the two chain ends, but connectors are not interchangeable simply because they look similar. SRAM distinguishes Eagle and T-Type PowerLocks; use the connector specified for the chain. PowerLocks are single-use, and KMC specifies non-reusable MissingLinks for its e-bike chains. Keep a compatible spare for repairs rather than relying on a link already opened for cleaning.
Follow the chain and connector instructions for orientation. Some chains and links have directional markings, while the KMC models here are non-directional. Check that the connector is fully seated before riding and that the drivetrain runs freely through its gears.
When should you replace an eMTB chain?
Check wear regularly with an appropriate chain wear checker. Use the chain manufacturer’s threshold and a tool suitable for that design; one measurement rule does not cover every system. Muddy winter riding is a good reason to check more often rather than waiting for the gears to start skipping.
A new chain can reveal a cassette that has worn with the old one. If it skips under load after correct sizing and installation, inspect the sprockets and chainring and check the shifting setup. Buying another, more expensive chain is unlikely to fix worn teeth.
Clean away grit and use a suitable MTB chain lubricant, wiping excess from the outside afterwards. Our eMTB cleaning guide covers the wider routine. Keep lubricant and cleaning residue away from the brake pads and rotors.
MTB chain questions
Does every eMTB need a special e-bike chain? No single chain fits every electric mountain bike. Several drivetrain-specific Shimano and SRAM chains are approved for e-bike use. Choose by the exact components and the manufacturer’s approval, rather than by the motor badge.
Is a more expensive chain worth it? Premium finishes and construction can be useful, but compatibility comes first. For a suitable Shimano HG+ drivetrain, the M6100 keeps replacement costs low; for T-Type, Eagle 70 fills a similar role. Neither choice changes your gear range.
Can a 12-speed chain replace an 11-speed chain? Do not assume so. Chain width, plate shape, cassette and chainring compatibility all matter. Fit a manufacturer-approved combination rather than treating the speed number as an upgrade path.
Which chain would we buy? CN-M8100 for a compatible Shimano HG+ bike, CN-LG500 for the specified CUES/LINKGLIDE system, S200 for conventional Eagle and Eagle 70 for an economical T-Type replacement. The KMC options are for riders keeping a suitable older drivetrain in service.