Shimano CN-HG40 road and mountain bike chain, 6–8-speed – ECNHG40116Q

Shimano CN-HG40 chain: reliability and precise gear changes

The Shimano CN-HG40 chain is a reliable and cost-effective drivetrain chain designed for bikes fitted with a 6-, 7- or 8-speed drivetrain. With its 116 links, it is suitable for road bikes as well as mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and touring bikes fitted with a compatible drivetrain.

Designed for Shimano ’s Hyperdrive SIS and Dual SIS indexing systems, the CN-HG40 ensures smooth and precise gear changes when paired with a correctly adjusted drivetrain. Its steel construction enables it to withstand the daily stresses of the drivetrain whilst offering an excellent balance between reliability, durability and value for money.

Part number ECNHG40116Q corresponds to the 116-link version with a Quick Link fastener, which is particularly convenient for fitting and maintenance.

Key features of the CN-HG40 Shimano

• Shimano CN-HG40 bicycle chain.
• Manufacturer’s reference ECNHG40116Q.
• Compatible with 6-, 7- and 8-speed drivetrains.
• 116 links.
• Suitable for road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and touring bikes.
• HyperGlide / HG technology.
• Designed for Shimano Hyperdrive SIS and Dual SIS systems.
• Steel construction.
• Quick Link fastening.
• Easy to fit and remove.
• Smooth and precise gear changes.
• Good wear resistance.
• Excellent value for money.
• Colour: silver/grey.
• EAN 4524667220343.

A chain suitable for 6-, 7- and 8-speed drivetrains

The CN-HG40 has been developed for 6-, 7- and 8-speed drivetrains. It is therefore a particularly attractive option for refurbishing or maintaining bikes fitted with older-generation drivetrains Shimano.

In particular, it can be used on road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes or trekking bikes fitted with a compatible cassette or rear freewheel.

Please note, however, that the number of speeds mainly refers to the rear cassette or freehub. The number of front chainrings does not necessarily prevent compatibility, provided that the entire drivetrain is designed for a chain of this width.

Shimano HG technology for efficient gear changes

The CN-HG40 chain belongs to the Shimano HG range and is designed to work with Hyperdrive SIS and Dual SIS indexing systems.

This design promotes efficient engagement with the sprockets and helps ensure crisp gear changes when the chain, cassette and derailleur are in good condition.

To get the most out of this performance, it is important to keep the drivetrain clean and properly lubricated.

116 links: a versatile length

With 116 links, the CN-HG40 offers a length suitable for many bike set-ups fitted with 6, 7 or 8-speed systems.

The chain is generally made slightly longer than necessary so that it can be adjusted to the bike’s exact configuration. It must be cut to the correct length before use, depending on the size of the chainrings, the cassette and the chainstay length.

The 116 links should therefore not be regarded as a universal length that can be used without cutting.

Quick Link: simplified fitting and maintenance

The ECNHG40116Q is supplied with a Quick Link fast-release connector. This makes it easier to fit the chain and can also simplify maintenance.

To ensure correct fitting, it is important to follow the instructions for the supplied connecting link and to check that it is securely locked before riding.

The Quick Link is particularly handy for cyclists who regularly service their drivetrain at home.

A chain for road bikes and mountain bikes

The CN- Shimano -HG40 is versatile enough to be used on a range of different types of bikes.

It is particularly suitable for:

• vintage road bikes or those with 6/7/8-speed drivetrains
• mountain bikes with 6-, 7- or 8-speed drivetrains
• hybrid bikes
• trekking bikes
• touring bikes
• city bikes fitted with a compatible drivetrain

Its main advantage is that it offers a reliable, Shimano -type chain for drivetrains with a limited number of gears, without the need to invest in a chain designed for modern 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-speed drivetrains.

A cost-effective solution for replacing a worn chain

A worn chain can cause several problems: less precise gear changes, noisy drivetrain, chain skipping or accelerated wear on sprockets and chainrings.

Replacing the chain regularly helps to preserve the entire drivetrain and avoids having to replace a cassette or chainrings prematurely.

The CN-HG40 is therefore a suitable solution for restoring the performance of an older drivetrain whilst retaining compatible components from the ‘ Shimano ’ range.

The CN-HG40 is not intended for modern, high-end drivetrains: its appeal lies elsewhere. It offers a robust and economical replacement option for bikes fitted with 6-, 7- or 8-speed drivetrains.

Its main advantage is its versatility. With its 116 links and Quick Link, it is ideally suited to servicing a touring bike, a leisure mountain bike or an older road bike.

Expert tip: before ordering, always check the number of speeds on your cassette or freewheel. A 6/7/8-speed chain is not designed for Shimano 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-speed drivetrains.

When replacing the chain, also check the condition of the cassette and chainrings. Fitting a new chain to a heavily worn drivetrain can cause the chain to skip, particularly under heavy load.

How do you choose the right chain length?

The 116 links cover a wide range of configurations, but the chain must be shortened to the correct length for your bike.

The length depends in particular on:

• the number of teeth on the largest chainring
• the number of teeth on the largest sprocket
• the chainstay length
• the configuration of the rear derailleur

Once the correct length has been determined, any excess links can be removed using a suitable chain tool.

Shimano CN-HG40 chain maintenance

To extend its service life, clean the chain regularly and remove any build-up of dust, mud and contaminated grease.

After cleaning and drying, apply a lubricant suitable for the conditions of use.

A clean and properly lubricated chain reduces friction and ensures smoother gear changes.

However, avoid over-lubricating the chain: excess lubricant attracts dust and accelerates the build-up of grime in the drivetrain.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Shimano
• Model: CN-HG40
• Manufacturer’s reference: ECNHG40116Q
• Type: bicycle drive chain
• Compatible speeds: 6 / 7 / 8-speed
• Number of links: 116
• Technology: HG / HyperGlide
• Compatible systems: Hyperdrive SIS / Dual SIS
• Nominal width: 1/2" x 3/32"
• Material: steel
• Closure: Quick Link
• Use: road bike, mountain bike, hybrid bike, trekking bike
• Colour: silver / grey
• Approximate weight: approx. 330 g