how long do your chains last? i think i'm going on 6k miles on mine...
09-16-13, 02:39 PM
#26
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After posting, I went to the SRAM site and I guess all of their 9- and 10-speed chains have hardened pins, so I guess it's not that. 
Did you happen to measure the stretch with a ruler? SRAM chains have more roller clearance than others, so they appear more worn on chain-checking tools than other brands, even when fresh out of the box.
Did you happen to measure the stretch with a ruler? SRAM chains have more roller clearance than others, so they appear more worn on chain-checking tools than other brands, even when fresh out of the box.
09-16-13, 03:19 PM
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Yeah. The usual chain measuring tools are basically bogus. Here's why: https://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-004/000.html
I spoke with a manufacture of one of these and they agreed...
I spoke with a manufacture of one of these and they agreed...
09-16-13, 05:01 PM
#28
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After posting, I went to the SRAM site and I guess all of their 9- and 10-speed chains have hardened pins, so I guess it's not that.
Did you happen to measure the stretch with a ruler? SRAM chains have more roller clearance than others, so they appear more worn on chain-checking tools than other brands, even when fresh out of the box.
Did you happen to measure the stretch with a ruler? SRAM chains have more roller clearance than others, so they appear more worn on chain-checking tools than other brands, even when fresh out of the box.
09-16-13, 09:12 PM
#29
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I did not think to take pictures of the chain and cassette but I will and post the link here.
The Idler and Jockey pully's are still like new.
I never had a shifting or skipping problem. Rather I replaced them during the winter months while doing my usual winter maintenance.
The Idler and Jockey pully's are still like new.
I never had a shifting or skipping problem. Rather I replaced them during the winter months while doing my usual winter maintenance.
09-16-13, 09:23 PM
#30
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There are so many variables affecting chain wear - light versus heavy riders, spinners versus mashers, how often and hard you sprint, whether you stand and power up hills, how strong you are, whether you ride a lot on hills or spend all your time on the flats, etc.
09-16-13, 09:24 PM
#31
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I got about 3500 miles out of my last chain. This is with re-oiling every 200-300 miles. The cassette that was on also needed to be replaced and it had about 6000 miles I think.
I am guessing next time, I will have to the middle chainring on my triple crankset since it is getting worn.
I am guessing next time, I will have to the middle chainring on my triple crankset since it is getting worn.
09-16-13, 11:08 PM
#32
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I'd consider replacing your chain (and possibly your cassette) at 6k miles.
I have ~4,500 on my current Force cassette (I changed my chain) and it needs to be replaced due to running it with a stretched out chain for so long.
I have ~4,500 on my current Force cassette (I changed my chain) and it needs to be replaced due to running it with a stretched out chain for so long.
09-17-13, 05:32 AM
#34
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I'm running Campy Record. I replaced first chain at 5,300 mi. I put another 3,000 mi on since. Cassette/Rings are fine. However, i try to avoid wet rides on this bike and clean/lube drivetrain often.
09-17-13, 08:04 AM
#35
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As others have said. I don't ride this bike in wet weather or on wet roads unless caught in the rain. I thoroughly degrease and lube my chain, cassette and chain rings every 300 ish miles...every 2 weeks. I'm a spinner averaging 100 rpm's, live in fairly flat area, don't put nearly the stress on the bike and its' parts as I did when racing and generally a light rider...I weigh 160lbs at 5'5"...not much fat on me but probably 10lbs more than I should carry.
All said I'm easy on a bike and have generally always been. I've always done my own wrenching including building every bike I've owned since an adult from the ground up.
All said I'm easy on a bike and have generally always been. I've always done my own wrenching including building every bike I've owned since an adult from the ground up.
09-17-13, 09:03 AM
#36
The Left Coast, USA
32 years and counting. Miles wise no way to tell. The bike was my only method of transportation for 4 years or so. There was some down time when I didn't ride so much. I started riding about 20-40 miles a week about 4 years ago, call it 600-1000 miles a year. I lub it but I don't pay any attention to it beyond that. I don't think it would be out of the question that there is more than 10K miles on the bike and it could be more
The bike is a 12 speed. I suspect the new bikes with more gears are more of an issue
The bike is a 12 speed. I suspect the new bikes with more gears are more of an issue
09-17-13, 09:55 AM
#37
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41 years and counting. Bike is fair weather commuter/grocery getter only, no hills, and I don't change gears that often on a normal ride. I was at a LBS and they were mentioning one of their customers changes chains about every 3 weeks, and they don't really see the wear. Each to their own.
09-17-13, 05:47 PM
#38
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i have no clue. its only been within the last 5 years that i ever gave a rip about changing my chain so id say erring on the side of caution, i change a chain per bike once a year. i had a gary fisher i bought in 1995 and rode all the time until i sold it in 2005. i sold it with the original chain and cassette.
09-17-13, 06:52 PM
#39
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You're spinning high rpms to get 5000 out of a chain. No way you get that kind of mileage I you are pushing 80-90rpm. You should be replacing at .75
At 1 wear mark its getting to the point where you are wearing stuff out.
It's like clockwork, once you start getting to 1500 miles the gauge starts to get closer to .75.
Ill tell you another thing too. I've documented all of this over years o changing my own chains. If you use a quick link, it will always wear prematurely in that 5-7 inches of chain. Always use a pin. When I was using those quick links I was stumped as to why te chain was wearing in 1000 miles. It took me a couple chain changes to realize the quick link was the problem. Don't believe me? Measure yourself,,,
At 1 wear mark its getting to the point where you are wearing stuff out.
It's like clockwork, once you start getting to 1500 miles the gauge starts to get closer to .75.
Ill tell you another thing too. I've documented all of this over years o changing my own chains. If you use a quick link, it will always wear prematurely in that 5-7 inches of chain. Always use a pin. When I was using those quick links I was stumped as to why te chain was wearing in 1000 miles. It took me a couple chain changes to realize the quick link was the problem. Don't believe me? Measure yourself,,,
Also, to add to the OP subject: KMC 10 speeed chain, OEM chain that came on my '13 Giant Defy 1, 2277.xx miles on it as of this morning. I will be replacing it soon....
09-17-13, 07:23 PM
#40
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I got about 3800 miles on my last chain. That's with less than weekly lube, even less cleaning, on an occasionally rainy commute. My chain is always black and grimy and gets that way again quickly after a thorough cleaning. It's 9 speed, riding at 95-110 RPM's typically on a very flat commute. I weigh about 170, carrying about a 7-8 lb backpack. Eventually I hope to wear out my jockey wheels and crank so I have an excuse to upgrade.
