Chain replacement

[Enw.nigel]

On an earlier thread you CC'ers advised me on tools and procedures to remove and replace a 105 cassette. Thanks to you it is now a task that I can accomplish without any problem.
On that thread a Park Tool chain wear guide was mentioned which I duly purchased for future use. Anyway I have just checked my chain to see how the tool works (easily in fact) and was surprised to find that it is on the 75% wear so needs replacing. The chain has done about 1700 miles so is this about the life of a chain? I did expect more.
Smokeysmoo and ianrauk on a different thread have suggested that I should look at KMC chains rather than Shimano when replacing my chain (just didn't expect it to be so soon) so I will go with that advice.
Will I need a chain tool to attach the new chain as I have come across a 'master link' when reading up on this. As its a straight replacement I know that I will have to use the same number of links but as new chains are longer will I still need a chain tool to shorten this?
Looking forward to ticking off another bike maintenance task with your help again. Many thanks in anticipation!!

 

[smokeysmoo]

You don't need any tools to fit the new chain per se, however you will probably need to adjust the length and therefore you will need a chain splitter to do this, but you'll also need the splitter to remove your old chain as well, (probably).
The KMC X10 chain is fitted by way of a missing link such as this, http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-10-speed-chain-links/
NEVER attempt to connect a 10 speed chain by re-using one of it's pins, IT WILL FAIL. Always connect using a missing link or a specific replacement pin such as these; http://www.rei.com/product/764677/shimano-dura-ace-10-speed-chain-pins
I stick to missing links and I always carry a spare missing link with me just in case

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I changed the chain on my Verenti after about 2000 miles, so I would think 1700 miles is a smidge on the short side of right, some people get less than that. I change the chain and cog on my fixed every twelve months,

 

[potsy]

The chain will come with a 'missing link' so you only need a chain tool to get it to the correct length, use KMC myself and not had a problem yet.

 

[Enw.nigel]

Thanks for the replies. KMC with the missing link it is. Which one - Cyclo or X-Tools extractors at http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=chain+rivet+extractor or is there another one I should be looking at?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Thanks for the replies. KMC with the missing link it is. Which one - Cyclo or X-Tools extractors at http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=chain rivet extractor or is there another one I should be looking at?

Any of those will see you right I've been using one of these since my last one broke, http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=8037

 

[xpc316e]

Lots of things affect chain life; even whether or not one had mudguards, believe it or not. A decent front mudguard with a mudflap will stop a lot of road grit being thrown up onto the transmission if a bike is regularly ridden in the wet. Grit forms a nasty type of grinding paste which eats chains, which explains why mountain bikes have such short component lives when regularly ridden off-road.

 

[Garz]

Managed around 3k from my Campag Chorus chain till I swapped it for another. I would feel hard done by if they required changing after half the amount. However as mentioned some wear fast dependant on conditions and how abused/neglected they are. Keep 'em clean, keep 'em oiled and you can get a number of chains out of one cassette/chainring.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Managed around 3k from my Campag Chorus chain till I swapped it for another. I would feel hard done by if they required changing after half the amount. However as mentioned some wear fast dependant on conditions and how abused/neglected they are. Keep 'em clean, keep 'em oiled and you can get a number of chains out of one cassette/chainring.

Amen to that

 

[Enw.nigel]

Have to defend myself and say that the chain was kept clean and well lubed and has been used from May. Therefore weather conditions were good for most of the time. Still a lesson for me to check the chain more often.

 

[gbb]

Have to defend myself and say that the chain was kept clean and well lubed and has been used from May. Therefore weather conditions were good for most of the time. Still a lesson for me to check the chain more often.

I wouldn't dwell too much on how long they last Nigel, mine rarely do more than 1200 miles. Shimano 105, KMC and Veloce...all mine wear out about the same time. No idea why, like yours, i care for mine, oil almost weekly, clean, different lubes from engine oil to Finish Line etc etc...it hasn't made any difference.
I say no idea why...but i'm very often honking on hills. out of the saddle, perhaps that impacts on chain life, only perhaps.

 

[PpPete]

I got one of these when my old tool (looked like the cyclo one) broke. Had been considering a Park one at £30, but decided that for the price it didnt really matter if it only lasted a year. No complaints so far!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I got one of these when my old tool (looked like the cyclo one) broke. Had been considering a Park one at £30, but decided that for the price it didnt really matter if it only lasted a year. No complaints so far!

What an amazing find Pete, £3.20 + £0.74 p&p each?

Hang on, you have been ripped off!!

He is listing seemingly the same thing for £3.49... And if you don't mind waiting a little you can get it for £2.39!

 

[Enw.nigel]

I wouldn't dwell too much on how long they last Nigel, mine rarely do more than 1200 miles. Shimano 105, KMC and Veloce...all mine wear out about the same time.

I got one of these when my old tool (looked like the cyclo one) broke. Had been considering a Park one at £30, but decided that for the price it didnt really matter if it only lasted a year. No complaints so far!

Thanks for that gbb, time to move on and get the new chain fitted - when ordered.
Your chain 'splitter' ppPete looks an absolute bargain so that is another one on my list to choose from. Will get all the ordering done so I can fit the chain by next weekend.
Thanks again for all the replies.