Wear and tear on chain etc

[taximan]

I bought my bike in Dec 2010 as a retirement present to myself and I think it has covered something like 4000 miles. In that time I have had to change the compete chainset three times and it is ready to change again, this time after only abt 650 miles. My cycling is all on a strict budget and I am the first to admit that I buy as cheaply as I can. Most of my cycling is on the road in hilly country (last year I climbed 16800 ft in 2650 miles). In good weather I clean and lube the chain at least once a fortnight but in poor weather I do it every other ride. I am not an aggressive rider and I think the bike is set up OK. Obviously I accept that I can't expect the same quality from cheap parts as I would from more expensive items but I think I should get more than 1000 miles from a chainset. What I would like to ask is first of all, am I expecting too much or is the wear that I am experiencing considered normal, and secondly can anyone suggest something more hard wearing but not too expensive. My present chainwheel and freewheel are both Shimano. (not sure about the chain)

 

[Biker Joe]

I think it's prudent to invest in a good chain. It will save you money in the long run.
I find the KMC range to be most satisfactory and economical.
There are others of course but I have never had a problem with KMC and the KMC Power Link is a doddle to use.Quick and easy.

 

[taximan]

Thanks for your reply Biker Joe, can I ask what mileage you would expect ?

 

[Rob3rt]

If your chainrings are wearing out, then this suggests they are very low quality (chainrings last ages) or you are not changing the chain when it is worn. Which may be happening prematurely if you are using low quality chains.

 

[mickle]

When you say 'cleaning' what do you mean?

 

[Biker Joe]

Thanks for your reply Biker Joe, can I ask what mileage you would expect ?

Anything from 3000 to 7000 miles depending on usage and chain maintenance. Many people have even more miles on the same chain.
I think I have about 6000 mile on my present KFC chain and it's still good.

 

[Rob3rt]

7000 miles on a single chain? WTF.

 

[Biker Joe]

7000 miles on a single chain? WTF.

Yeah, its a lot but the 7 and 8 speed chains ( I still have 8 speed) were quite capable of lasting that long with proper care and attention.
I think the modern 10 speed chains being lighter and narrower don't last as long as the older 7/8 speeds.
That's only my opinion and I'm open to discussion.

 

[Ningishzidda]

When I commuted between Tamworth and Nuneaton, trucks on the A5 provided some really helpful drafts. Chains would last an incredibly long time. 4000 miles at least.
Now I commute down filty hilly B roads and chains don't last 1000 miles.

 

[taximan]

When you say 'cleaning' what do you mean?

Clean all the muck & S*** with a piece of rag until the chain is clean to touch. If it is particularly bad I use parafin or similar, I then oil, wipe & oil again

 

[taximan]

If your chainrings are wearing out, then this suggests they are very low quality (chainrings last ages) or you are not changing the chain when it is worn. Which may be happening prematurely if you are using low quality chains.

Hi Rob, I must admit that I have been using cheap chains, but I would still have expected more than 650 miles.
I have fitted a better quality chain & 6 speed block this afternoon so I will see how it goes. The chain wheel seems to be OK.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I think I have about 6000 mile on my present KFC chain and it's still good.

7000 miles on a single chain? WTF.

It's the Colonels secret recipe that makes it last


Sorry BJ, couldn't resist

 

[2Loose]

By chainset, I assume you mean chain as that would be a very expensive if you replaced it 3 times in 4k miles.
My 9 speed chains last between 2.5k and 4.5k depending on the amount of grit\salt on the road (generally sram chains) but I have heard of 10 speed chains lasting less than half that. I guess that is progress .

 

[02GF74]

you do not mention what conditions you are riding in - if it is off-road in mud, the chain will get worn rapidly by the grit and sand that gets thrown onto it. 650 miles for a chainset is too low IMO.

cleaning chains comes up every few weeks and there are two camps - those that clean the chain in paraffin and reagrease and those that just apply lubricant. I used to belong to the former camp, the paraffin will wash out the grit but will also wash out any lubricant in the links which is hard to replace. Now I jsut spray on a chain lube not GT85 or WD40, but one which has a solvent and that allows the lube to flow into the gaps between the rollers nad side plate, then evaporates. then wipe chain with a cloth.

note the lubrticant is required in between the rollers nad side plates so your chain rings and cassette are more or less bone dry - if you are lubricating them - and I have seen that on many bikes, then grit/sand will stick to those those components and help wear them out.

phew, all that typing, must have a lie down now.

 

[Maz]

I think it's prudent to invest in a good chain. It will save you money in the long run.
I find the KMC range to be most satisfactory and economical.
There are others of course but I have never had a problem with KMC and the KMC Power Link is a doddle to use.Quick and easy.

I agree witht the KMC recommendation.
I would avoid the Shimano chains, though - they have a fiddly connector pin.