Chain Replacement

Jim said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

When 12 links measure 12 1/16". Some would go as far as 12 1/8", but that
will mean some significant wear on the cassette, which is more expensive
than 2-3 chains.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | Accept risk. Accept responsibility. Put a lawyer out of
_`\(,_ | business.
(_)/ (_) |

Jim said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

When 12 links measure 12 1/16". Some would go as far as 12 1/8", but that
will mean some significant wear on the cassette, which is more expensive
than 2-3 chains.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | Accept risk. Accept responsibility. Put a lawyer out of
_`\(,_ | business.
(_)/ (_) |

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

When 12 links measure 12 1/16". Some would go as far as 12 1/8", but that
will mean some significant wear on the cassette, which is more expensive
than 2-3 chains.

My experience has been 3000 miles for a shimano chain, and 4000 miles
for a SRAM chain.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

When 12 links measure 12 1/16". Some would go as far as 12 1/8", but that
will mean some significant wear on the cassette, which is more expensive
than 2-3 chains.

My experience has been 3000 miles for a shimano chain, and 4000 miles
for a SRAM chain.

"Jim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

Every 1500 miles, and with an inexpensive chain.

"Jim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

Every 1500 miles, and with an inexpensive chain.

Jim Flom said:

"Jim" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

Every 1500 miles, and with an inexpensive chain.

This would be very conservative and doesn't take into account the large
variation in chain wear with usage. There really isn't a good
alternative to measuring the chain periodically.

I have had the same chains (SRAM PC48) last 800 miles to 4500 miles
before 0.1mm elongation per link (at which point I replace them - see
below). In one case a dry use only road bike and the other a folding
bike I use mainly in poor weather. Any rule of thumb on mileage is
likely to be just that (typically I get 1800 to 2500 miles out of a
chain in general use).

I know competent mechanics say that a steel rule is sufficiient to
determine chain wear, but I find a Rohloff chain gauge easier (see
http://www.sjscycles.com/store/vIndex.htm?item1441.htm), though rather
over priced for what it is.

The answer to the original question: "When it is worn out", you need
to measure it. See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Andrew Webster

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

When 12 links measure 12 1/16". Some would go as far as 12 1/8", but
that
will mean some significant wear on the cassette, which is more expensive
than 2-3 chains.

My experience has been 3000 miles for a shimano chain, and 4000 miles
for a SRAM chain.

Depends upon rider weight, terrain ridden (hilly or flat), and how clean
it's kept. I get about 1800 miles/chain, but I weigh about 175 and ride
nothing but hills. I'll have light women customers who ride mostly on the
flats and they'll get 4000+ miles on the same chain. And during the winter,
I'll find chains decimated in as little as 500-600 miles.

Also, while a chain might not be technically worn out according to the
amount its lengthened, I find shifting performance deteriorates
significantly as you approach 75% of acceptable wear. Your mileage (and what
you'll put up with) may vary, of course.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:33:03 GMT, Jim <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

As others have noted, it should be replaced when it's worn. I use a
Park Tool Chain Checker to measure how much the chain has stretched.

What I have found interesting is that on our road tandem I need to
replace my timing chain while the drive chain still has quite a bit of
life left on it. We purchased the bike new and I have maintained both
chains in exactly the same manner. The timing chain, obviously, gets
less torque on it than the drive chain, and it never shifts, yet it
wore out quicker. FWIW, we have about 3,300 miles on the bike.

Harry

Jim said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

Like car engine oil, it really depends. The ONLY way to check it is with
a chain stretch checker, like the new Park one or the Rohloff one.

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of
cross chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go south in
1000 miles and others measure great after 4000 miles.I just measured the
chain on my fixie( a Sram PC-48) and it looks great after 4000 miles.

Use the least expensive compatible chain, BTW, just like engine oil.

I bought a Rohloff chain gauge over ten years ago and I find it one of
the handiest little
tools available - I'd definitely recommend it. Since the amount of
mileage that you get from a chain depends so much on the weather and
riding style it can become a real guessing game. You can buy three good
chains (sramPC5x) for the cost of one good clincher tyre - so cost
should not be an issue when replacing one; unless you use a Wipperman
10sp Titanium Chain @ ~ $300 !

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:33:03 GMT, Jim <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

As you've seen from other posts in this thread, this varies greatly.
You should replace the chain when it demonstrates sufficient wear. As
others have posted this can be checked with a ruler or yardstick.

Chains can last a VERY long time indeed if kept clean and properly
lubricated. As I've posted here many times over the years, I probably
hold the record for chain longevity, well over 18,000 miles on a Dura
Ace chain. Lest one think it was totally shot, at the time it was
replaced (April 1997) it showed 3/32" of wear over 24 inches.

I'm still riding with the same cassette (now on my beater bike) and
cogs (still on original bike) and have had no problems with
chain/teeth registration.

jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net http://home.earthlink.net/~jeverett3

Per Rik O'Shea:

Quoted message said:

I bought a Rohloff chain gauge over ten years ago and I find it one of
the handiest little
tools available - I'd definitely recommend it.

I'll second that. Was in shock over the price for about a week - but now I
can't even remember what it cost.... but I'm always glad to be able to check a
chain so easily...
--
PeteCresswell

Quoted message said:

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of cross
chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go south in 1000
miles and others measure great after 4000 miles.I just measured the chain
on my fixie( a Sram PC-48) and it looks great after 4000 miles.

As you note, chain line has a lot to do with chain wear. Tandem sync chains
obviously undergo a lot of stress (considering that the two cyclists aren't
always working perfectly together) and yet last virtually forever, while the
final drivetrain chain might be lucky to get 1000 miles.

But I'm curious about the mileage you get out of your chains. I'd love to
consistently get 2k miles, but it just ain't gonna happen. I'm not light
(175lbs), I ride only in hills, and I generally ride pretty hard. Oh, and
I'm not known for keeping a really clean bike, since, given the choice
between spending time cleaning my bike vs riding it, I'd rather ride.

On the other hand, I get at least 10k miles out of a cassette, and close to
20k on chainrings.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

"Qui si parla Campagnolo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:1112277335.7d0415bb3a548206cde6ac90bf198d07@teranews...

Quoted message said:

Jim said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

Like car engine oil, it really depends. The ONLY way to check it is with a
chain stretch checker, like the new Park one or the Rohloff one.

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of cross
chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go south in 1000
miles and others measure great after 4000 miles.I just measured the chain
on my fixie( a Sram PC-48) and it looks great after 4000 miles.

Use the least expensive compatible chain, BTW, just like engine oil.

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Quoted message said:

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of
cross chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go
south in 1000 miles and others measure great after 4000 miles. I
just measured the chain on my fixie (a Sram PC-48) and it looks
great after 4000 miles.

Quoted message said:

As you note, chain line has a lot to do with chain wear. Tandem
sync chains obviously undergo a lot of stress (considering that the
two cyclists aren't always working perfectly together) and yet last
virtually forever, while the final drivetrain chain might be lucky
to get 1000 miles.

Chain wear is more affected by sprocket size than chain line. The
angle through which the chain links rotate under load (exiting for
driven and entering for driving sprockets) is the main effect. The
larger the sprocket the smaller the angle of bend and the less wear on
the chain. A 13t sprocket has four ties the wear of a 52t sprocket
engagement.

Quoted message said:

But I'm curious about the mileage you get out of your chains. I'd
love to consistently get 2k miles, but it just ain't gonna happen.
I'm not light (175lbs), I ride only in hills, and I generally ride
pretty hard. Oh, and I'm not known for keeping a really clean bike,
since, given the choice between spending time cleaning my bike vs
riding it, I'd rather ride.

Gritty operation is the greatest influence after sprocket size and on
dirt bicycles exceeds it.

Quoted message said:

On the other hand, I get at least 10k miles out of a cassette, and
close to 20k on chainrings.

I hope so. I get a lot more than that.

[email hidden]

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Quoted message said:

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of cross
chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go south in 1000
miles and others measure great after 4000 miles.I just measured the chain
on my fixie( a Sram PC-48) and it looks great after 4000 miles.

As you note, chain line has a lot to do with chain wear. Tandem sync chains
obviously undergo a lot of stress (considering that the two cyclists aren't
always working perfectly together) and yet last virtually forever, while the
final drivetrain chain might be lucky to get 1000 miles.

The tension on the typical tandem synch chain is entirely determined by
the force exerted on the pedals by the front rider and the relative
sizes of the front crank vs. timing chainring. What the rear rider does
and how well he/she is working together with the person in front doesn't
affect the synch chain. OTOH the drive chain is affected by the pedal
forces of both riders and is generally driving a small cog rather than
the larger timing chainring, so it's not surprising that it would wear
out much faster - regardless of any chain line effects.

Quoted message said:

But I'm curious about the mileage you get out of your chains. I'd love to
consistently get 2k miles, but it just ain't gonna happen. I'm not light
(175lbs), I ride only in hills, and I generally ride pretty hard. Oh, and
I'm not known for keeping a really clean bike, since, given the choice
between spending time cleaning my bike vs riding it, I'd rather ride.

On the other hand, I get at least 10k miles out of a cassette, and close to
20k on chainrings.

It's be interesting to see how well the chain life correlates with the
rider's preference in gear choices. I'd expect longer chain life from
someone who spends lots of time in a 52x20 compared to someone who
chooses the equivalent gearing but using 39x15 (all else being kept
constant of course).

Quoted message said:

Chain wear is more affected by sprocket size than chain line. The
angle through which the chain links rotate under load (exiting for
driven and entering for driving sprockets) is the main effect. The
larger the sprocket the smaller the angle of bend and the less wear on
the chain. A 13t sprocket has four ties the wear of a 52t sprocket
engagement.

Which means that I'll see greater chain wear now that I've switched to a
compact crank. Oh well...

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Quoted message said:

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of
cross chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go
south in 1000 miles and others measure great after 4000 miles. I
just measured the chain on my fixie (a Sram PC-48) and it looks
great after 4000 miles.

Quoted message said:

As you note, chain line has a lot to do with chain wear. Tandem
sync chains obviously undergo a lot of stress (considering that the
two cyclists aren't always working perfectly together) and yet last
virtually forever, while the final drivetrain chain might be lucky
to get 1000 miles.

Chain wear is more affected by sprocket size than chain line. The
angle through which the chain links rotate under load (exiting for
driven and entering for driving sprockets) is the main effect. The
larger the sprocket the smaller the angle of bend and the less wear on
the chain. A 13t sprocket has four ties the wear of a 52t sprocket
engagement.

Quoted message said:

But I'm curious about the mileage you get out of your chains. I'd
love to consistently get 2k miles, but it just ain't gonna happen.
I'm not light (175lbs), I ride only in hills, and I generally ride
pretty hard. Oh, and I'm not known for keeping a really clean bike,
since, given the choice between spending time cleaning my bike vs
riding it, I'd rather ride.

Gritty operation is the greatest influence after sprocket size and on
dirt bicycles exceeds it.

Quoted message said:

On the other hand, I get at least 10k miles out of a cassette, and
close to 20k on chainrings.

I hope so. I get a lot more than that.

[email hidden]

Jim said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

These chain wear tools seem like they would be trivial to make if you
had the dimensions. What I don't understand is the effect of roller
wear. My last chain didn't lengthen much but it had terrible roller
wear (they got looser). Does the chain wear tool properly "pass/fail"
both types of wear?

Also is there a gauge for cassette tooth wear?

Thanks,

Dave

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Quoted message said:

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of cross
chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go south in 1000
miles and others measure great after 4000 miles.I just measured the chain
on my fixie( a Sram PC-48) and it looks great after 4000 miles.

As you note, chain line has a lot to do with chain wear. Tandem sync chains
obviously undergo a lot of stress (considering that the two cyclists aren't
always working perfectly together) and yet last virtually forever, while the
final drivetrain chain might be lucky to get 1000 miles.

But I'm curious about the mileage you get out of your chains. I'd love to
consistently get 2k miles, but it just ain't gonna happen. I'm not light
(175lbs), I ride only in hills, and I generally ride pretty hard. Oh, and
I'm not known for keeping a really clean bike, since, given the choice
between spending time cleaning my bike vs riding it, I'd rather ride.

As I said, it really depends. We see more than 2000 miles on chains all
the time, with the understanding that 'most' of us exaggerate how many
miles we have ridden. Everybody ought to invest in the little $7 chain
checker and forget about milage.

Quoted message said:

On the other hand, I get at least 10k miles out of a cassette, and close to
20k on chainrings.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

"Qui si parla Campagnolo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:1112277335.7d0415bb3a548206cde6ac90bf198d07@teranews...

Quoted message said:

Jim said:

How often should a chain be replaced on a road bike?

Jim

Like car engine oil, it really depends. The ONLY way to check it is with a
chain stretch checker, like the new Park one or the Rohloff one.

GENERALLY, for chains that are kept clean and lubed and not lots of cross
chaining, ABOUT 2500-3000 miles but I have seen chains go south in 1000
miles and others measure great after 4000 miles.I just measured the chain
on my fixie( a Sram PC-48) and it looks great after 4000 miles.

Use the least expensive compatible chain, BTW, just like engine oil.