Chain worn already?

[KingstonBiker]

I have a Park Tools CC-3 chain checker. When I got home tonight I noticed it in the garage and decided to test my chain. To my shock the tool slotted comfortably in the .75% measurement (not the 1%). Does this mean my chain needs replacing?

The chain is a "kmc x10 CP" that came with my 2010 Secteur.

The bike has only done around 1,600 miles. I've heard that 10-speeds wear chains quicker but this seems a bit too quick.

I checked it about a month ago (at 1,300 miles) and it was fine (no hint of the tool slotting in to my chain).

I believe I make good use of my gears and spin more than grind so I'm surprised at the sudden chain wear. I'm not ashamed to use my granny ring up hills if required.

I had my freewheel break at around 1,200 miles, could the two be related?

How many miles on average should I expect from a chain?

 

[HLaB]

I used to replace my chain at the 0.75% worn state and that was typically around 1,500 miles for me regardless of the speed/ type of chain but my last one I let it go a while and replaced at 5,500 it held up fine my current chain is too new to show wear (1,200).

 

[zacklaws]

I change mine on average about every 1200 miles, soon as it measures 0.75% which equates to a new chain every month and a half. My last chain lasted 2400 miles though.

 

[ianrauk]

1600 miles? You have done well.

 

[Leaway2]

I have a 2010 Secteur which I bought last August, I do 300 miles a month and am on my third chain.

 

[ohnovino]

I'd expect to get around 1500 miles from a chain.

 

[Davidc]

If 10 speeds behave like 7 and 8 speed then replacing chains soon after they reach the 0.75 wear marker keeps cassettes going longer, and my cassettes have always been much dearer than chains.

Varies a lot but I sometimes go through 8 speed chains in 1500 miles so yours sounds quite reasonable for a 10 speed.

 

[KingstonBiker]

Ok, so I'll be changing the chain this weekend. Any recommendations?

 

[gbb]

Ok, so I'll be changing the chain this weekend. Any recommendations?

Apparrently not recommended, shimano 105....as told just after i'd fitted one
KMC's dont get to 1600 miles for me, i only get 1000 miles.
Veloce...1200 miles.

Ive just got a SRAM 10 speed off ebay after hearing someone sing their praises. I dont need it yet, but a bargains a bargain, it'll keep until the 105 wears out.

 

[hambones]

I run an Ultegra 6700 10-speed chain and get around 6000 miles or so.

 

[edindave]

What's wrong with Shimano 105 chains? I just bought a spare one. Just wondering!

 

[HLaB]

Apparrently not recommended, shimano 105....as told just after i'd fitted one
KMC's dont get to 1600 miles for me, i only get 1000 miles.
Veloce...1200 miles.

Ive just got a SRAM 10 speed off ebay after hearing someone sing their praises. I dont need it yet, but a bargains a bargain, it'll keep until the 105 wears out.

I don't think there was much wrong with my last 105 chain, It was changed at 5,500 miles although it was beyond the 0.75% stage.

We're all different but I've replaced that with a SRAM chain (because it seemed best VfM) it currently sits at 1,200 and less than 0.75%

 

[HLaB]

What's wrong with Shimano 105 chains? I just bought a spare one. Just wondering!

AFAIC I don't think there is anything wrong with them, they just don't have the nice convenient powerlock quicklink.

 

[edindave]

AFAIC I don't think there is anything wrong with them, they just don't have the nice convenient powerlock quicklink.

Och that's cool - carry 9 & 10 speed link pins and a chain tool

 

[yello]

KMC's dont get to 1600 miles for me, i only get 1000 miles.

I've used KMC chains for several years now, even on my fixed and they last around 3000km for me. The least I've gotten out of a 10sp one is around 5000km. My current one is still good (according to measurements) and has done 7600km (link to thread)

I do wonder what people do to their chains (or what I do!) because it stuns me to here stories of such limited mileage.

Perhaps I ride easier on chains than some? I mean, not changing gear under load by anticipating changes. I'd probably be regarded as a spinner too (though I average around 80 - 85, so not a mega spinner). Maybe I don't overly stress chains. One of my clubmates did say he thought I was a 'light' rider ("léger" is what he actually said, so perhaps my translation is too literal), I'm not quite sure what he meant.