Quick chain question

[lulubel]

I noticed yesterday that the new chain the LBS put on my bike has a quick release link.

It occured to me that I could reduce wear on my new cassette by changing the chain frequently. So, if I buy a couple more chains with quick release links (plus a chain tool to get them to the right length), is it just a case of opening the quick release link, putting on the new chain, and closing the quick release link on the new chain?

If it's that simple, I figure it's worth having 3 chains and rotating them every few weeks.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I noticed yesterday that the new chain the LBS put on my bike has a quick release link.

It occured to me that I could reduce wear on my new cassette by changing the chain frequently. So, if I buy a couple more chains with quick release links (plus a chain tool to get them to the right length), is it just a case of opening the quick release link, putting on the new chain, and closing the quick release link on the new chain?

If it's that simple, I figure it's worth having 3 chains and rotating them every few weeks.

Make sure the chains are the same length and yes it is that simple. I would swap every few months instead of weeks unless you are doing ultra high mileage.

 

[lulubel]

Make sure the chains are the same length and yes it is that simple. I would swap every few months instead of weeks unless you are doing ultra high mileage.

I'm doing 100-150 miles most weeks (except this week because the bike was at the LBS half the week).

I read on another thread someone recommended changing every few hundred miles, which is what made me think of it.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I'm doing 100-150 miles most weeks (except this week because the bike was at the LBS half the week).

I read on another thread someone recommended changing every few hundred miles, which is what made me think of it.

Every couple of hundred miles seems very extreme top me. Measure 12 links of the chain. 12" perfect. 12 &1/8th" on way out 12&1/4" needs changing. Thus if you catch the chain before it reaches 12&1/8th" the cassette wear will be minimal.

 

[gaz]

Just buy a chain measuring tool and replace when that says so. Simpler than getting a ruler out.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Just buy a chain measuring tool and replace when that says so. Simpler than getting a ruler out.

And a lot more expensive.

 

[aberal]

And a lot more expensive.

Nah, peanuts. A chain measuring tool is the answer. Saves you money in the long term as you will only ever replace a chain when needed.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Nah, peanuts. A chain measuring tool is the answer. Saves you money in the long term as you will only ever replace a chain when needed.

I guess they are great for people who can't read a tape measure.

 

[gaz]

And a lot more expensive.

Costs less than £10, hardly expensive.
And as i said, it's easier and quicker than reading a tape measure. You just pop it in, look to see what the wear indicator says and you take it out.
Tape measure means holding it, counting the links and then taking the reading.

 

[Glover Fan]

Costs less than £10, hardly expensive.
And as i said, it's easier and quicker than reading a tape measure. You just pop it in, look to see what the wear indicator says and you take it out.
Tape measure means holding it, counting the links and then taking the reading.

I'm sorry, how much do you cost per second? Takes me less than 10 seconds to measure my chain with a metal tape measure.

Out of all the tools i'd deem essential when owning a bike, a specific chain wear measurer would be bottom of my list.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I'm sorry, how much do you cost per second? Takes me less than 10 seconds to measure my chain with a metal tape measure.

Out of all the tools i'd deem essential when owning a bike, a specific chain wear measurer would be bottom of my list.

It wouldn't even make it onto my list. A total waste of money.

 

[aberal]

I'm sorry, how much do you cost per second? Takes me less than 10 seconds to measure my chain with a metal tape measure.

Out of all the tools i'd deem essential when owning a bike, a specific chain wear measurer would be bottom of my list.

Actually - a fiver to buy Sure we can all faff around with tape measure and probably have better things to spend our money on, but it makes life easy.

 

[gaz]

I'm sorry, how much do you cost per second? Takes me less than 10 seconds to measure my chain with a metal tape measure.

Out of all the tools i'd deem essential when owning a bike, a specific chain wear measurer would be bottom of my list.

No one has said it's essential. Clearly a tape measure does work but that doesn't mean you have to use one.

 

[Baggy]

To the OP - yes, it's that simple. I experimented with rotating 3 chains about every 400 miles and used 3 chains. It probably ended up being about 500 miles - but I have a commuter and a "best" bike so it didn't feel like I was changing round very often.

My cassette and the 3 chains on the commuter (8 speed) lasted over 6,000 miles, which covered two winters of commuting. I probably cleaned them more often as a result, which also helps with chain life.

The bike with the 10 speed managed about 4,000 miles.