Chain Wear Questions:)

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 14:18:59 -0700, "Bob Marley" <[email hidden]>

wrote in message : said:

First: How can I test my chain to tell if it is worn out?

See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Quoted message said:

Second: What is the typical life of a bicycle chain in terms of miles?

Somewhere between 0 and 10,000 miles depending on whether it's used in
the rain, how often it's cleaned, and how thick it is (i.e. 7, 8, 9,
10 speed)

Quoted message said:

Third: Is there any way to test the chain for wear without removing it
from the bicycle?

See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html - a steel rule is the
usual tool for the job :-)

Quoted message said:

Fourth: Why don't bicycles come stock with a master link (super link)
like motorcycles do.

They can, but it's only fitted on certain types of chain (e.g. the
Sram Powerlink). Old-style fishtail links may be fitted on 1/4"
chains on single-sprocket bikes (hub gears) but don't work with
derailleurs.

Quoted message said:

Fifth: Do you recommend putting a master link on a bicycle chain?

I recommend Sram Powerlink chains, for sure.

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after posting.
http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at Washington University

Bob Marley said:

Thank you in advance for taking your time to answer my questions.

First: How can I test my chain to tell if it is worn out?

If 12 full lengths measure more than 12 1/16", then it's time. If the
measurement is more than 12 1/8" likely the cassette is also worn out.

Quoted message said:

Second: What is the typical life of a bicycle chain in terms of
miles?

Modern chains, maybe 2-3000 miles. Sometimes more, and under bad
conditions, possibly less.

Quoted message said:

Third: Is there any way to test the chain for wear without removing
it from the bicycle?

Measure along the top run of the chain, on the bike.

Quoted message said:

Fourth: Why don't bicycles come stock with a master link (super link)
like motorcycles do.

Some do. Most SRAM chains come with one.

Quoted message said:

Fifth: Do you recommend putting a master link on a bicycle chain?

Sure, as long as it is meant for that size chain. 3-speeds and most fixed
gears use 1/8" chain (that is, the width of the inner holes is about
1/8"😉. Most derailleur chains are 3/32" inside, but can vary in
sideplate thickness, depending on whether they are meant for 8-speed (or
fewer), or 9-speed, or 10-speed.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | What is objectionable, and what is dangerous about extremists is
_`\(,_ | not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant.
(_)/ (_) | --Robert F. Kennedy

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

Quoted message said:

Thank you in advance for taking your time to answer my questions.

First: How can I test my chain to tell if it is worn out?

Use a 1' ruler. Measure along the lower run since the derailer spring keeps
this taut. With the ruler on the leading edge of one pin (where it protrudes
from the side plate), the othe end should line up on the leading edge of
another pin on a new chain. As the chain wears, the ruler will line up
eventually in the middle of the pin, then, eventually, the trailing edge. For
best drivetrain longevity, replace the chain before you get to a full pin's
width.

Quoted message said:

Second: What is the typical life of a bicycle chain in terms of miles?

Many variables, typical numbers: 1,000 - 3,000 miles of road biking, much less
off-road.

Quoted message said:

Third: Is there any way to test the chain for wear without removing it
from the bicycle?

See above.

Quoted message said:

Fourth: Why don't bicycles come stock with a master link (super link)
like motorcycles do.

Fifth: Do you recommend putting a master link on a bicycle chain?

SRAM chains come with master links, they can be purchased together for as
little as $10. I think these chains are fine for all uses. Master links are
also sold separately from a number of manufacturers. Master links can be
difficult to open, especially if the chain is dirty, since the grit tends to
take up the clearances. I've resorted to using a chain tool more than once to
open at a normal link when the "quick" link turned out to be more trouble.
Having a good chain tool is necessary anyway (I like the Park "mini"😉. If
nothing else, you'll need it to shorten new chains. Most people who have chain
trouble have it from bad joins, so (theoretically) a quick/master link
eliminates that liability. It's handy to keep old quick links in your bag to
repair a chain in the woods or road (of course you need a tool, too), although
chain breaks are pretty rare.

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:PGW0d.33952$D%.6200@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

Most people who have chain
trouble have it from bad joins, so (theoretically) a quick/master link
eliminates that liability.

The only bicycle chain that I have ever had break, broke at
the master link when I was climbing a hill. I was standing
on the pedals when it snapped.

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

Quoted message said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:PGW0d.33952$D%.6200@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

Most people who have chain
trouble have it from bad joins, so (theoretically) a quick/master link
eliminates that liability.

Quoted message said:

The only bicycle chain that I have ever had break, broke at
the master link when I was climbing a hill. I was standing
on the pedals when it snapped.

What brand? What gear? I've only used SRAM (& before that Craig), but been
using them for many years, both on & off-road (much more stressful) without
mishap, & I weigh 235. A small (22 tooth) chainring with long cranks and a
heavy rider is worst case for chain snapping. I often use that even while
pulling a trailer with as much as 100 lb.

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:JfY0d.34470$D%.30128@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

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

Quoted message said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:PGW0d.33952$D%.6200@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

Most people who have chain
trouble have it from bad joins, so (theoretically) a quick/master link
eliminates that liability.

Quoted message said:

The only bicycle chain that I have ever had break, broke at
the master link when I was climbing a hill. I was standing
on the pedals when it snapped.

What brand? What gear? I've only used SRAM (& before that Craig), but been
using them for many years, both on & off-road (much more stressful)
without
mishap, & I weigh 235.

I have no idea what brand. This was on a 24 inch, single speed, road bike.
This happened over 30 years ago. I was going up a steep hill on a city
street when it happened.

Mark Jones said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:JfY0d.34470$D%.30128@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

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

Quoted message said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:PGW0d.33952$D%.6200@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> Most people who have chain
> trouble have it from bad joins, so (theoretically) a quick/master
> link eliminates that liability.

Quoted message said:

The only bicycle chain that I have ever had break, broke at
the master link when I was climbing a hill. I was standing
on the pedals when it snapped.

What brand? What gear? I've only used SRAM (& before that Craig),
but been using them for many years, both on & off-road (much more
stressful) without mishap, & I weigh 235.

Quoted message said:

I have no idea what brand. This was on a 24 inch, single speed, road
bike. This happened over 30 years ago. I was going up a steep hill on
a city street when it happened.

They had master links 30+ years ago?!?

Bill "think I was still using wire to fix broken chains then (ok, closer to
*40* years ago)" S.

"S o r n i" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

They had master links 30+ years ago?!?

Every bicycle that I had when I was a kid had a master link.
This would have been on bicycles from about 1966 to 1975.

Mark Jones said:

"S o r n i" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

They had master links 30+ years ago?!?

Every bicycle that I had when I was a kid had a master link.
This would have been on bicycles from about 1966 to 1975.

I wonder if it was a typical master link for industrial and motorcycle
chains. I recently used one on a BMX chain- came in the box. Go to
figure E at this link-

http://www.diynet.com/diy/ab_vehicle_types/article/0,2021,DIY_13701_2271497,00.html

S o r n i wrote in message ...

Quoted message said:

Mark Jones said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

"Mark Jones" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> "Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in
> message news:PGW0d.33952$D%.6200@attbi_s51...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> Most people who have chain
>> trouble have it from bad joins, so (theoretically) a quick/master
>> link eliminates that liability.

> The only bicycle chain that I have ever had break, broke at
> the master link when I was climbing a hill. I was standing
> on the pedals when it snapped.

What brand? What gear? I've only used SRAM (& before that Craig),
but been using them for many years, both on & off-road (much more
stressful) without mishap, & I weigh 235.

Quoted message said:

I have no idea what brand. This was on a 24 inch, single speed, road
bike. This happened over 30 years ago. I was going up a steep hill on
a city street when it happened.

They had master links 30+ years ago?!?

Bill "think I was still using wire to fix broken chains then (ok, closer to
*40* years ago)" S.

Wow...... Not too bad at all - one broken chain in 40 years. Now if only

you can repeat that for the next 40, you'll be home free.. Good luck!