Chain replacement, when do you do it?

[richwagmn]

So two schools of thought seem to exist on chain replacement. Some seem to do it at a fixed mileage and others measure chain wear.

I'm coming up on about 1500 miles on my last DA chain. I take good care of my drivetrain but wonder if 1500 miles might be the right time for a new chain?

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

I do every 2k mi, keeps the major parts (cassette, chainrings) from wearing out prematurely. How many times do the shop guys have to replace a chain with a cassette because the client is rolling the chain past due. Chain checkers don't account for 2k type of mileage, that's the trick, replace the chain before it stretches and your teeth will be happier.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

So two schools of thought seem to exist on chain replacement. Some seem to do it at a fixed mileage and others measure chain wear.

I'm coming up on about 1500 miles on my last DA chain. I take good care of my drivetrain but wonder if 1500 miles might be the right time for a new chain?

1500 miles of use to one is not the same wear as 1500 miles to another. You can be conservative and just replace it(least expensive compatible chain, BTW.A DA chain wears no better, lasts no longer than a 5700 chain or a KMC chain). Or use a Rohloff chainchecker, which seems to work really well at measuring wear. Or a ruler, pin to pin over 12 links..12 1/16 inch or more, replace.

 

[richwagmn]

I think I'll just do the replacement then.

I did ruin a DA cassette a few years back by not replacing my chain soon enough (I wrongly assumed DA chains would last longer). That sucked as they're insanely expensive. Ultegra cassettes for me after that.

 

[The Gnome]

I will prolly get heat on this...but in 25 years of riding, I have just used the chain tool (park) to check...when it shows chain is used I replace...when it goes it goes...always worked fine for me...and I seem to run cassettes for long enough to not to worry...but maybe some ride chains harder... can't see too much a difference...I have no idea really...

 

[The Gnome]

I think I'll just do the replacement then.

I did ruin a DA cassette a few years back by not replacing my chain soon enough (I wrongly assumed DA chains would last longer). That sucked as they're insanely expensive. Ultegra cassettes for me after that.

via shimano chains and maybe someone will correct me but I think the dura and ultegra and even a few others run at same weight...like 304 grams...have no idea what the real difference is besides price...maybe someone can point out?

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

I do every 2k mi, keeps the major parts (cassette, chainrings) from wearing out prematurely. How many times do the shop guys have to replace a chain with a cassette because the client is rolling the chain past due. Chain checkers don't account for 2k type of mileage, that's the trick, replace the chain before it stretches and your teeth will be happier.

Yes, exactly what I do. Replace it every 2000 miles, regardless what chain checkers say. I've had shop guys check chains and say it does not need it yet. If I'm at or close to 2K I replace it anyway. I've even had one shop guy INSIST I don't need it yet... then I wonder why he's telling me that, like 'what, you want me to come back and then not just buy a new chain, but also buy new chainrings and/or cassette cogs?' Still, it's always good to listen to the chain checker when under 2000 miles, as I've needed to replace as low as 1800 miles.

 

[The Gnome]

Yes, exactly what I do. Replace it every 2000 miles, regardless what chain checkers say. I've had shop guys check chains and say it does not need it yet. If I'm at or close to 2K I replace it anyway. I've even had one shop guy INSIST I don't need it yet... then I wonder why he's telling me that, like 'what, you want me to come back and then not just buy a new chain, but also buy new chainrings and/or cassette cogs?' Still, it's always good to listen to the chain checker when under 2000 miles, as I've needed to replace as low as 1800 miles.

a chain checker IS about the length via between teeth right? or do I have that wrong? This is steel and metal and nasty stuff right? or are chain checkers totally outrageous via actual measuring? just curious...mean this in a good way my friend...not harping...but there must be some sorta physics to it?

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

a chain checker IS about the length via between teeth right? or do I have that wrong? This is steel and metal and nasty stuff right? or are chain checkers totally outrageous via actual measuring? just curious...mean this in a good way my friend...not harping...but there must be some sorta physics to it?

Most chain checkers do not work. A ruler works.

It is easier to just replace after 3500 km.

 

[steelciocc]

Every 2,000 miles for me. Chorus cassette on one bike is at around 15,000 miles...

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

a chain checker IS about the length via between teeth right? or do I have that wrong? This is steel and metal and nasty stuff right? or are chain checkers totally outrageous via actual measuring? just curious...mean this in a good way my friend...not harping...but there must be some sorta physics to it?

Well, a chain checker can be your local shop mechanic, or it can be the tool they use to measure distance between the pins of a chain. As Damiano M. suggests, a ruler is a suitable substitute. Or just have your shop check it at least every 2K miles. I keep a running record of my riding that includes distance covered. So I know how far I have ridden since the last chain replacement, and so know when to start thinking about replacing it.

The idea is as the chain stretches, it will not seat well in the chainrings and cassette sprockets. This causes the teeth to wear to match the distance between pins. You do NOT want this to happen, because not only will you need to replace the chain, you'll also need to replace the chainrings and cassette at a MUCH higher cost. I view replacing the chain as preventive maintenance that keeps the whole drivetrain working quietly and smoothly.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

via shimano chains and maybe someone will correct me but I think the dura and ultegra and even a few others run at same weight...like 304 grams...have no idea what the real difference is besides price...maybe someone can point out?

Plating, finish, shiny bits but the action and durability of the chains are the same. I sell a lot of 5700 chains and even those are getting expensive. Also KMC, great chain.

 

[richwagmn]

Plating, finish, shiny bits but the action and durability of the chains are the same. I sell a lot of 5700 chains and even those are getting expensive. Also KMC, great chain.

Which KMC?

Also, are all 10spd chains the same width? Can I use any 10spd chain on a shimano cassette and have it shift as well?

 

[Houdini]

I buy three wipperman chains and one cassette at the same time, and then cycle the chains every 1000km. When the chains start to skip I’ll start over. My objective is lowest cost per mile.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Which KMC?

Also, are all 10spd chains the same width? Can I use any 10spd chain on a shimano cassette and have it shift as well?

All are the same, use any 10s chain.

DX10SC chain..should be about $35 or so.