Chain Stretch - Good News...

[punkypossum]

Well, after reading all the posts on here about chains needing replacing after a 1000 miles and having to buy a new cassette if it is left too late, I was starting to feel rather panicky considering my chain has done about 2,000. So, to find out the damage or to put my mind at rest, I got myself one of those park tool stretch measure thingies and the result: It's not even stretched to the 0.75 mark, so should still have quite a bit of life left in it! Either my chain is some strange high quality piece of kit that is fairly immune to stretching, or my reasonably regular cleaning must have done it some good!!!

 

[Soltydog]

reasonably regular cleaning must have done it some good!!!

I'm sure that is the case. A chain than is never cleaned & lubed properly is sure to have a shorter life than a well cared for one I clean mine after every ride or two & re lube. I don't have a chain measuring tool (I suppose I should invest) so just change mine as a precaution every 1000 or so miles. It's cheaper & easier than have to replace the cassette too

 

[HelenD123]

Regular cleaning. What's that?

 

[fossyant]

Regular cleaning. What's that?

Oh dear...expect costly repairs come chain change time !

 

[yello]

change mine as a precaution every 1000 or so miles

You're very cautious indeed. I'd want twice that out of my chains at least! 2k miles on my audax bike chain and still going strong. My Park Tool chain checker still gives it the all clear at the .75 mark.

 

[jimboalee]

A Park Tool chain stretch indicator!

Take it back and demand a refund.

How to decide if you need a new chain.

Park the bike against something solid, like a brick wall.
Hang a weight on the pedal, like a can of paint, to pull the chain tight.
Using a measuring tape, a 3m one will suffice, measure the tight chain over 12 links.
If it measures 12 1/8" or more, you need a new chain.
If it is close, the choice is yours.

If you don't have a 3m tape, measure 9 links with a 12" rule and the max will be 9 3/32"

 

[dodgy]

A Park Tool chain stretch indicator!

Take it back and demand a refund.

How to decide if you need a new chain.

Park the bike against something solid, like a brick wall.
Hang a weight on the pedal, like a can of paint, to pull the chain tight.
Using a measuring tape, a 3m one will suffice, measure the tight chain over 12 links.
If it measures 12 1/8" or more, you need a new chain.
If it is close, the choice is yours.

If you don't have a 3m tape, measure 9 links with a 12" rule and the max will be 9 3/32"

Yep, that sounds a lot easier than dropping a piece of metal onto the chain.

 

[yello]

Inclined to agree with Dodgy. But I have used a tape to check stretch too.

But if you need a 3m tape to measure 12 links, then I think you have a very stretched chain indeed

 

[spandex]

Well, after reading all the posts on here about chains needing replacing after a 1000 miles and having to buy a new cassette if it is left too late, I was starting to feel rather panicky considering my chain has done about 2,000. So, to find out the damage or to put my mind at rest, I got myself one of those park tool stretch measure thingies and the result: It's not even stretched to the 0.75 mark, so should still have quite a bit of life left in it! Either my chain is some strange high quality piece of kit that is fairly immune to stretching, or my reasonably regular cleaning must have done it some good!!!

When it gets to 0.75 that is the first point that you need to be thinking about changing your chain don't let it get to 1. Why it has not worn out by now is because you are not hard on it. I kill my chains with in a week of putting them on because I ride bikes hard (and the size of my carfs)

 

[RedBike]

I hope it's a bit more than 1000miles.

I've got next week off work and i'm planning to do something in the region of 1000miles in the week (9days).

 

[dodgy]

I've been through a chain in 1000 miles before, a few times actually, and I am fastidious in caring for my chain. It's a combination of rider weight, usage of gears and riding style. I hear KMC chains have a reputation for longer life.

Dave.

 

[punkypossum]

When it gets to 0.75 that is the first point that you need to be thinking about changing your chain don't let it get to 1. Why it has not worn out by now is because you are not hard on it. I kill my chains with in a week of putting them on because I ride bikes hard (and the size of my carfs)

NO!!! You have just spoilt it all - I'm not particularly fast, I know that, but there is no need to tell me that my cr@p speed is the only reason my chain is still alive!!!

 

[Crackle]

Your crap speed and abominably weak calfs are the reason your chain is still alive.

 

[punkypossum]

Thanks crackle, just keep on rubbing it in!!!

 

[Crackle]

Thanks crackle, just keep on rubbing it in!!!

Relax. My chain's done 1600 miles now. Spandex is just an animal