WORDS: History of the Shadow Half Link BMX Chain

The Shadow Conspiracy broke new ground when they released the first half link chain back in 2000, but it was no easy feat. From countless trips to Asia to meet with factory owners, to having to physically re-tool the pre-existing machines in order for them to produce these weird new half link style chains... it was a long road for Shadow. They truly innovated a product that changed the face of chains forever, even for bicycling inductors outside of BMX! This is the story of how the Shadow Half Link Chain came to be, told be the none other than the company's founder/owner, Ron Bonner.

[iStayKrafty]

Ive been riding a shadow chain for 14 years now. From the V1 all the way to the Supreme. I've never broke the supreme but did manage to shred a V2 about 8 or 9 year ago. With that said, I've ran maybe 4 or 5 shadow chains over 14 years and only went to the Supreme as I built up a new bike. These have proven to me that they are worth the money.

[mixtermike]

This was a great interview, I love learning about the background behind innovating a product like the half link chain. I've definitely snapped a V2 but that's because I've got a bent sprocket and probably fatigued the chain through rain and snow. Still I've managed to run that same chain after replacing several links for months now, definitely a product I'd get again. Great video Ride BMX Magazine!

[jorgeavila]

it's awesome being a machinist and understanding everything while discovering history on items you have become familiar with

[AmazingChinaToday]

Shadow bar ends are also top quality, smart design, all metal with quality machining and quality bolts. This is a company that does things right.

[b.midd.]

That last part is so important. I came here cause I wanna know what chain is gonna take the most torque from a mid drive motor and I'm walking outta here with the knowledge and more respect for BMX riders.

[fredbissnette]

I've had one for 10 years and it's still working well I have it on my fixed gear now it's a dope setup

[tom_nobreaks]

My buddies and I all ride the shadow chains and we ride some gnarly stuff too. Lots of grinds and big drops and fast peddling on the regular. None of us have ever broke one of these chains. mine is 2 years old and I have no intentions of replacing it any time soon. I'm curious as to how some people have claimed to break these chains and especially people claiming that it happened in a matter of weeks. First off no chain is indestructible but I have a strong feeling anyone that has broke one of these chains has either compromised the chains quality due to a heavy crash that put an abnormal amount of pressure on the chain or they have an issue with their gearing and alignment of the chain. I do know and have plenty of personal experience and personally know tons of others riding this chain that when it is installed the right way that it is nearly bullet proof. Thank you Shadow for making the effort to make great parts for us guys!

[pinkdeerguns]

My first V2 lasted for 5 years of hard riding before it finally popped in one link.this chain kicks ass

[jordanlewis]

who does 1 person dislike this video? some dude still rides a full link chain and is angry at halflinks?

[AmazingChinaToday]

I have the Shadow Interlock Supreme and love it. It's the only way to roll if you have a few extra bucks.

[flatlandrory]

I'm still running the same Shadow chain that I have for been riding for 13 years. Beasty chains

[eddielalowski]

Im copping the supreme chain right now. I go through a chain and all of the spare links in 3-4 months. I broke my chain twice today. Thank you for this video

[zanebryan]

Had this chain for 2 almost 3 years and it didn’t snap once. I accidentally messed it up while taking it apart to change frames but i just got my new one in the mail and cant wait to ride. 🤙🏼 love this chain so much

[tom_nobreaks]

this video made me so proud to be a supreme chain owner

[FPSdaybreaK]

i remember when the chain first came out, i had one. 33t sprocket guard and shadow chain was golden

[vl]

This was super cool to watch. I just picked up their chain. It's sick af

[magnetic]

have never had more problems than with shadow chains lol....

[johnnycalories]

Dude, yea so revolutionary. Just genius!!!!

[fieldpointoutdoors]

you guys should do more vids like this . I liked it allot

[ZachPPierce]

I already knew Shadow was legit, every time I say something on social media about or to them, I always get a response. Rocking their pegs, guards, and wheel sets.