Originally Posted by
Koyote
All these folks reporting on the mileage they get out of chains: it'd be interesting to know which chains. I get more life out of a 9 speed chain than I get from an 11 speed chain.
Riding conditions matter, too: on a bike that sees a lot of dirt and gravel roads, chains will wear faster.
'Course, anyone's reporting is anecdotal, as chain wear is dependent on sooo many variables. As a general rule, I replace any time there is any doubt.
Good point. My chains are most 9 speed. I have 3 bikes with 10 speed drivetrains but those don’t have that many miles on them yet. Conditions range from dry mountain biking to tours in various places around the US. I haven’t noticed any excess wear due to dirt conditions but I don’t use oil based chain lubricants.