How long between chain replacements?

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Rebel Ian

Well-Known Member
Location
Berkshire
A mate of mine is thinking of changing his chain. I guess he's done a couple of thousand miles on his bike. Is there a recommended mileage after which a chain should be replaced?
 

Soltydog

Legendary Member
Location
near Hornsea
It depends on each individual. With good maintenance & careful use 2k should be ok, but I've had as little as 500 miles out of a chain before it's needed changing. A chain measuring tool is quite cheap & will let you know when your chain has stretched to the point of needing changing :thumbsup:
Best to change chain regularly, otherwise you can end up needing new cassette & possibly chainrings too
 

andrew_s

Legendary Member
Location
Gloucester
A chain measuring tool is quite cheap & will let you know when your chain has stretched to the point of needing changing
Measuring tools tend to the pessimistic, and have been known to show an unused chain as needing replacement (they measure between rollers, and they move about on the pins).

A better measure is to use a ruler to measure between pins about 12" apart. If the end pin is less than 1/16" past the inch or half inch mark, the chain is good and the cassette will be virtually unworn. If it's more than 1/8" past, it's worn enough than a new chain will probably slip under pressure. In between,you can use a new chain OK but you will have worn the cassette a bit.
 

rusky

CC Addict
Location
Hove
Here's my thread on the subject. https://www.cyclechat.net/

I put a new chain on & used the old cassette but when I rode it, there was a grating noise when I put pressure on the pedals. gears were adjusted fine but I could see the deurallier flicking back & forth. Changed back to the old chain & the noise goes!
 
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