Robert A

My 2-year old bike is in for a cleaning of the drivetrain and the LBS is recommending a chain replacement. They say it has become stretched. Cost is quoted at $35 for the part.

The bike is a Specialized Sirus Comp with an SRAM X7 derailleur with 2x10 gears. There's probably 1,500 miles on the bike.

Does this all seem reasonable?

Wanderer

Not at 1500 miles! I would want a measurement with a good steel ruler!

CliffordK

It depends on the riding. Rain? Riding the chain dry without oil? Squeaking?

Also, if you only service the bike once every 2 years, then better catch the chain early, than wait until it is too late.

As Wanderer suggests, a measurement is a good checker, but it is also difficult to be real precise.

Depending on the chain, it could be $20 to $30 for the chain. $10 to $15 for labor isn't unheard of, although it is a reasonably quick swap. I like to clean the rear derailleur and cassette when I change my chains (so this is a good time to do it if you're already doing the service).

Robert A

Miles could be closer to 2k. Riding is dry urban, fair amount on beach bike path (near sand). Not squeaking.

Whole drivetrain is being serviced so there shouldn't be any additional labor. I don't want to nitpick if I'm being overcharged a bit. I just want to make sure a replacement is reasonable.

ksryder

Price is reasonable. Living in LA I assume not much rain but if you're riding near beaches sand might be an issue so I can see a chain wearing out with that kind of use. Not unheard of, anyway.

hokiefyd 

Your bike shop is likely using a KMC X10.93 chain:

https://www.amazon.com/KMC-X10-93-Bi.../dp/B072JXPXHN

Amazon gives the list price as $34 so, if that's accurate, your bike shop is in the ballpark.

DowneasTTer

I would think your shop is right on. There is not a lot you can do if riding around a lot of sand. Just think what happens when you glue a little sand to paper.

Skipjacks

That chain is on sale on Amazon for $20 right now (might be a permanent sale...check CamelCamelCamel.com)

And it comes with a master link so that makes installing this chain about a 30 second process. So if you OP wants to save $15, just buy it and do it.

Seriously. 30 seconds. Maybe 45 if it's your first time.

Laurido92

not unreasonable to have a worn chain after 1500. I'm on my second chain in two years. It all depends on your riding style.

Last chain I bought was $28. SRAM X1 11 speed chain.

Honestly, any 10 speed chain will work.

Robert A

Why do the number of speeds on the cassette affect the specification of chain? Is it because more speeds requires a narrower chain?

Laurido92

Yes. An 8/9 speed chain will not work (right) on a 10 speed drive train. The links are narrower on 10/11 speed chain compared to a 8/9 speed chain.

I went with a lesser priced chain because I'm going to replace it in a yea's time frame so why spend extra money if they will wear out the same. My mechanic is the one that actually recommended the less expensive chain. My previous chain was a Shimano Ultegra chain that wore out in a year.

dueWest

Yep. 8,9, and 10 speeds I know for sure use the same amount of space for their cassettes, so more gears mean less space, so chain is narrower. Not sure when the hub break is, but I want to think 10 to 11 speed is the break in design. Someone will correct me if i'm off.

1nterceptor

I doubt a new chain will have the exact number of links as the old one.
I'd add a few more seconds(or minutes) for measuring and cutting chain.
Will need a chain tool, too.

pjthomas

There are just two internal widths to accommodate the sprocket thickness. 8 and below are 3/8" between the inside plates of the chain. 9 and above are 11/128". Outside of these two measurements the difference between individual speed, say 9 and 11 are the thickness of the plates, making the overall chain width thinner for higher speeds. But this is not an absolute, the thinner plates are a recommendation.

You could use a 10 speed chain with 9 speed cassette. Even a 9 speed chain will work (somewhat) on an 11 speed cassette. There is an argument that you only use 8 speed or 11 speed chains since they work with lower speeds and are generally better chains.

Skipjacks

Pfffttt......you've clearly never used the 'hacksaw and duct tape' chain repair method.