Hi all:
I use SRAM chains. I typically remove, clean and relube the chains
each 250 - 350 miles and use a Park Tool CC-3 Chain Wear Indicator to
see if the chain's worn out.
What I've found is that after 3,500 miles or so every part of the chain
is within spec (less than .75% wear) *except* if I span the SRAM master
link with the CC-3 tool. Sometimes a new master link will bring things
back into spec for a while, but eventually even a new master link won't
work.
I assume there's some aspect of the master link, maybe even the
removing and re-installing, that wears the adjacent links enough to
cause the chain in this area to go out of spec. True?
Since the entire chain is fine except for the short length on either
side of the master link, would I be doing any particular damage to just
keep using the chain until the main portion of the chain reaches the
..75% wear limit?
TIA
Tom Young