BMX riders who are looking for strength, longevity, and fine-tuned rear-end length adjustment will appreciate the Shadow Interlock V2 Chain. The Interlock V2 is designed to work with drivers of 8T and above, thanks to its rounded side plates. This includes the popular 25/9 and 25/8 gear ratio. This chain is built to last, with heat-treated side plates, mushroomed pins, and top-tier rollers.
The Interlock V2 Chain is one of the strongest and most reliable BMX chains on the market. It can withstand 1300 kg of force which or 3x more than most. This chain is trusted by the pros and only costs $32.99.
Let’s go in-depth and talk about the pros, the cons, and the honest truth.
| Feature | Shadow Interlock V2 Chain |
|---|---|
| Design | Half-link proprietary design |
| Tensile Strength | Over 1300KG |
| Width | 1/8″ |
| Compatibility | 8T driver and up |
| Total Links | 98 |
| Weight | 11.3 oz for 72 links |
| Extras | 2 master pins |
| Special Coating | Teflon coated for low friction (colored chains) |
Shadow Interlock V2 Pros
The Shadow Interlock V2 Chain’s strength, is greater than 1300KG. This is one of its most notable features. The chain will hold up under the rigors of regular use on the bike. It will not matter if you are casually cruising, racing, or sending huge tricks. The strength of this chain will hold up.
The half-link design is also advantageous since it permits fine-tuned rear-end length change, allowing for a personalized fit for each rider. Generally, the “chain stay length” of your ride is dictated by the chain length and position of the rear wheel. A half-link chain allows you to add or remove a link to get the back wheel closer or further away.
Because of its rounded side plates, the Interlock V2 can be used with drivers of 8T or higher, making it a flexible option for a wide range of gear setups. The chain is built to resist the rigorous rigors of BMX riding with features like sturdy mushroomed pins and heat-treated side plates. And lastly, the Teflon coating on colored chains decreases drag, leading to a more comfortable ride.
Shadow Interlock V2 Cons
It’s important to know that the Shadow Interlock V2 Chain does have some downsides. To begin, the chain might not initially be entirely supported by the teeth and instead ride more on the top of the teeth. This problem is due to the nature of the chain. It takes a while to break in and sit properly on the driver. Because of this, you may experience some strange sounds when pedaling.
Fortunately, this is the only real issue that I have come across with the chain.
Honest Thoughts
The Shadow Interlock V2 Chain is a great option for riders looking for a long-lasting, high-strength chain that can be easily adjusted for the perfect length in the back. This chain is exceptional in comparison to others on the market because of its half-link design, compatibility with 8T drivers, and high strength.
Even though it rides higher on the driver’s body and is slightly broader than other 1/8″ chains at first, these concerns work themselves out over time, making this a solid choice for any rider.
Full Link Chain vs. Half Link Chain
| Feature | Half-Link Chain | Full-Link Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Alternating narrow and wide links | Uniform links |
| Adjustability | Greater adjustability for rear-end length | Less flexibility in chain length adjustment |
| Strength | Generally stronger and more durable | Less strong compared to half-link chains |
| Compatibility | Better with larger sprockets and drivers | More compatible with various drivetrain components |
| Weight | Slightly heavier due to design | Lighter compared to half-link chains |
The fundamental distinctions between half-link and full-link BMX chains lay in their construction, adjustability, durability, and compatibility with various drivetrain components. Here, we give a comprehensive comparison of half-link and full-link BMX chains to help you understand their distinct qualities and make an informed decision when selecting a chain for your bike.
Design
A half-link chain consists of alternate narrow and wide links, with the wide link including an integral connection pin that fits directly into the thin link. This design eliminates the need for full-link chains’ external connector pin. Full-link chains, on the other hand, consist of uniform links that are joined by a single connector pin.
Adjustability
The flexibility of half-link chains is one of its key benefits. The alternating link arrangement permits smaller chain length alterations, allowing riders to fine-tune the length of their bicycles’ rear ends. This exact adjustment can assist in attaining the optimum chain tension and enhancing the overall performance of the bicycle. Full-link chains offer less length-adjustment flexibility because the links are uniform and require larger increments for adjustment.
Strength and Durability
Half-link chains are generally believed to be stronger and more durable than their full-link counterparts. The unique design of half-link chains evenly distributes stress across the chain, hence lowering the likelihood of chain breakdown. Moreover, the built-in connector pin of half-link chains is typically more durable than the external connector pin of full-link chains. Regardless of a chain’s design, however, the quality of its materials and manufacturing techniques can have a major impact on its strength.
Compatibility
Compatibility is another key issue to consider when deciding between half-link and full-link chains, as it relates to drivetrain components. Typically, half-link chains are broader than full-link chains, which makes them more suitable with larger sprockets and drivers. The increased width of half-link chains may not be compatible with some chainrings or drivers built for thinner chains. Full-link chains are often more compatible with a broader range of drivetrain components because they are more conventional and thinner.
Weight
Due to its design and the additional material utilized for the integrated connector pins, half-link chains are typically slightly heavier than full-link chains. Although the weight difference may not be significant for the majority of riders, individuals who are concerned with decreasing the overall weight of their bikes may want to take it into account.
In conclusion, half-link and full-link BMX chains each posess distinct benefits and drawbacks. Half-link chains offer more adjustability, durability, and compatibility with larger drivetrain components, making them a popular option for cyclists wanting precision chain length adjustment and durability. Full-link chains are more conventional, lighter, and compatible with a greater variety of drivetrain components. The choice between a half-link and full-link chain will ultimately depend on your riding preferences, compatibility needs, and performance objectives.
