How often do you change a chain?

[Renard]

Assuming you don't have a chain wear measuring tool, how often should you change a chain in terms of mileage?

 

[spandex]

I don't know there are so many things that can wear it out faster. I just have a Chain checker.

 

[dodgy]

Impossible to answer, that's why the correct answer is use a chain wear tool.

Dave.

 

[HLaB]

The fastest I've had one get .75% stretched and I've replaced the chain is around 1,500 mls. I've had other chains last longer and I'm sure others get even longer. I've found the only reliable way for me to know is to use a chain checker.

 

[Maz]

My chain snapped after less than 2000 miles. Mind you, I was naively over-oiling the chain and it was mixing with road grit. You can't ask for a better abrasive combination.

 

[byegad]

Really the best way is to use a chain checker. Some people see to change a chain as aften as their cycle shirt, others run them forever. I change at 1% and get 3 to 4 thousand miles from a chain.

 

[Globalti]

Try riding an MTB in Lancashire. A couple of rides lubricated with gritstone and your chain is goosed.

 

[Mr Pig]

I've just bought my first chain checker and intend changing the chain at .75%. Well see how that goes.

The other thing you can do is just not bother. Run the chain and gears until something gives, it'll probably take years!

 

[Saddle bum]

Campag chain, 1500-2000 miles.

 

[HLaB]

This thread has prompted me to look at my chains the one on the commuter is fine (1230 mls since the last change) The dropped bar road bike is beginning to show .75 on some sections (at 1860) as is the flat bar road bike (at 1540); I'll change them sometimes soon. Hopefully if I change them soon I'll get another round out of the cassette, it worked for the flat bar the last time.

 

[Joe24]

One chain lasted me 4 weeks(about 900 miles), the next 7 weeks(about 1500miles).
Hard to say, i have a stick with marks on it which shows chain wear to see, and go to LBS when i think its near and ask them to do it with their proper chain wear thingy.

 

[Baggy]

All year round commuter bike has done about 3400 miles since last chain, but needed a new cassette.

"Best" bike had done about 4000, but wasn't as worn. Changed the cassette anyway.

All year round commuter had previously done about 7000 miles on one chain before it started to mis-shift, cost me a new chain, cassette and chainset, or in cash terms £60 more than if I'd changed the chain twice.

I'd forgotten how much more precise gear changes are when you've got spanking new bits on, worth doing regularly

Am going to try the method of buying another chain and swapping over each time the chain is cleaned to see if it extends the life of the cassette.

You can measure a chain without a tool if you have a ruler:

Use a good ruler, preferably a metal one, and measure a nominal 12" (24 pins) of your chain. Measure the lower run which is under slight tension from the rear derailleur's spring.

A new chain should measure nearly exactly 12.0" over 24 pins. A chain that's slightly worn but usable will measure 12-1/16" between the centers of the pins and a worn chain that definitely needs replacement will measure 12-1/8". Some riders who want to protect their cassettes will replace a chain at 12-1/16".

 

[PatrickPending]

as said earlier use a chain checker - my current one is 3 months or 3500km old - still less than 0.75% stretched. Previous one only lasted about 2.5 moonths mind you it did get wetter/dirtier due to the winter/spring weather....

 

[andrew_s]

A metal ruler is a better guide than a chain checker, but not as convenient or easy to use.
Generally you have to measure 10 or 11" as there isn't any scale past the 12" mark, but you can use the same 1/8 and 1/16" limits.

 

[Renard]

Just measured mine up, ooh err. Somewhere between 3/16 and 1/4 inch stretch over the 12 inches.