How often do you change a chain?

[02GF74]

I use vernier caliper; once it has elongate to 1 %, t hat is 127.6 mm (I know this as I replaced one for a friend last weekend), it is time to change.

Leave it to get longer than that then the cassette needs to be replaced t oo.

 

[Maz]

A new chain should measure nearly exactly 12.0" over 24 pins.

Sorry for the basic question, but does that apply to all speeds of chain?
Mine's a 9-speed.

 

[Mr Pig]

Its going to skip like hell if I change the chain now isn't it?

Yes, so don't. Just run it as it is until something happens, probably the chain will start to skip or not shift cleanly. Then you'll need to fit a new chain, cassette and chainrings. But that could be years away :0)

 

[Baggy]

Sorry for the basic question, but does that apply to all speeds of chain?
Mine's a 9-speed.

I think so - pretty sure it's the width of the chain that varies with the speed, (my 10 speed has a much narrower chain than my 8 speed) the links are all the same length on each chain.

 

[Baggy]

Yes, so don't. Just run it as it is until something happens, probably the chain will start to skip or not shift cleanly. Then you'll need to fit a new chain, cassette and chainrings. But that could be years away :0)

Or it might not be years away! Depends what you run - I don't really want to spend £250 on Campagnolo parts after 6000 miles when for the cost of a couple of chains I could triple the life-span of my chainset and double the life of a cassette!

 

[Maz]

I think so - pretty sure it's the width of the chain that varies with the speed, (my 10 speed has a much narrower chain than my 8 speed) the links are all the same length on each chain.

Cheers for that, baggy.