As we dig out from all the news gathered from Eurobike, we’ll have a bunch of articles with highlights from the brands we were able to check in with at the event. First, is Yaban, or YBN Chain. They are a Taiwanese chain maker that I’ve personally been using for a number of years, and has tested well with Zero Friction Cycling in their wear and strength tests. While I’m personally a fan of their SLA110 11-speed chain (we’ll have a review soon), the news from the show is their new 12-speed e-bike chain.
Chains might not be quite as exciting as some of the other parts of your bike, but without it, you are left with a big, expensive balance bike. Most e-bike chains are more focused on utility and durability, but as more brands are making higher end, higher performance e-bikes, it’s time for chains to catch up.
The new MK12e 12-speed e-bike chain uses a flat top design, which is compatible with SRAM, Shimano, and all other drivetrains, and can be used on traditional road and mountain bikes as well for an even more durable chain than YBN’s other offerings. It uses solid pins and plates that have seen YBN’s DHA Chromium Carbide Hardened Heat Treatment to increase durability and longevity, and keeping it smooth and quite on the bike. The 136 link chain uses a narrow spacing with precision chamfering to help chains shift quickly and stay in gear. Color options include S2 (silver), TiG (Gold), TiB (Black), TiC (Rainbow), and TiRG (Rose Gold). The Ti colorways use a Titanium Nitride coating to add the durable color while helping reduce wear and friction.
YBN also released the MK11e 11-speed e-bike chain is similar to the MK12e, but in a more traditional shape and spacing for 11-speed.
We don’t have pricing at this time, but availability will grow throughout the rest of the year.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year