buzzbee

I want to see if I'm way off here.
I bought a chain tool to measure wear, it has a 0.75 on one side, and a 1.0 marked on the other side. I replace the chain after the tool will fit the chain at 0.75, sometimes I don't get around to it and then the tool fits at the both the 0.75 and 1.0 marks.
I get in about 1000 miles on each Nashbar chain, and replace them about 6 times a year. I lube the chain about every 100 to 150 miles, more in the winter. This is on a mtn bike with 95% commute miles.
Does this seem correct?
I saw one reply on another thread where someone got 6000 miles on one chain.

DaveSSS 

Please do a search. There is a very long discussion of this over on the road cycling forum. It's become an every week question that should not have to be rehashed so often.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=chain+life

bkaapcke

It seems a little excessive, except that you are using low end chains. I'm getting 2,000 miles out of high end SRAM chains ridden on a flat MUP, which is cleaned every 100 miles. Doesn't look like you are way off. bk

davidad

The chain must be removed to properly clean it. My 8sp has 8659miles on it and still has not worn to 1/16". The chain checkers are a convient tool, but not very accurate. The chain wears at the pins and bushinged inner links. The checkers also take into account the rollers which don't contribute to "streach".
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html

zoodude

what he said ^

well biked

Absolutely correct. There's way too much "just wipe the chain down after you ride and then re-lube" advice going around on this forum. Here's a link to the ONLY real way to clean a chain.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

mechBgon

Not necessarily. But I can see it being easier for some folks.

10 Wheels

I take mine off for cleaning. Got 9,000 miles from the last one.

Al1943

Not at all.

I get at least 5000 miles per chain on three bikes without removing. Maximum stretch 1/16"/ft. Have never worn out a cog or chainring.

well biked

You'd get a lot more than that if you'd follow the steps in the link I posted above. We've got to preserve our chains at all cost! No matter how many resources we expend in doing it, the chain must be preserved!

10 Wheels

Thanks for tip.......

bretgross

Oh, heck yes!
After the first half dozen times (practice) you'll be able to disassemble that chain in less than half an hour.

Just make sure you don't forget to clean the filters in the respirator, or it takes longer.
I was sure glad that I was wearing my helmet, because I hit my head pretty hard when I passed out the first time. Now I use old, cracked helmets -- they're good for about half a dozen cleanings.

DMF 

Why is there no Tongue in Cheek smiley?


Or was it censored?

well biked

Sometimes you gotta play your cards with a straight face, no smileys needed.

FBinNY 

You're not getting nearly what what's possible out of your chain. Even factoring that you're in San Francisco, and the hills are causing higher wear, you're still doing poorly. There's lots of advice about cleaning, but I don't think that's your problem, especially since most of your mileage in on road commuting.

I apologize if this sounds self serving (I make chain lube) but your problem is probably most related to a poor choice, or poor application of chain lubricant. I don't know what you're using, but if it's a dry or wax lube, it won't offer the chain reasonable wear protection in your hills. If you want to try something different, go to a heavy wet oil lube and you'll do better. If you want you can visit my site and if you buy my oil. If you use it properly, I'll guaranty you better chain life on your next chain or give you a bottle of your favorite lube, no questions asked.

layedback1

It would seem that you are spending a lot of money on chains. They should last far longer than what yours are. Cleaning a lubing is the answer. I have 3500 miles on the chain on my RANS recumbent, and the chain wear tool is still not to the .75 point.

Now as to cleaning a lubing. I clean wipe and lub my chain about every 100 miles. I over lub some, and after running it backward many revs, I wipe the excess off again. Then while you will get a thousand ideas what to lub with, I use Mobil 1. Reason--- in auto engines is reduces mechanical wear to almost nothing. A chain is a mechanical metal on metal, and Mobil 1 virtually elimanates metal to metal contact. What remains is keeping the chain as clean as possible.