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.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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