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Replace The Chain?

Old 05-11-22, 08:39 PM
  #1  
jwr0201
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Replace The Chain?

I recently picked up a 2008 Specialized Crossroads and am. in the process of doing a refurb, as the bike was not really taken care of.
Question is whether I should replace the chain on such an 'experienced' bike. I assume that the bike was not a hanger queen, as the seller said - rather it looks to be we'll used.
Sage advice requested!

RR
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Old 05-11-22, 08:42 PM
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Measure it, if stretched, replace.
If there are any frozen links, replace.
Otherwise clean and lube.
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Old 05-11-22, 09:41 PM
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OP if you don't know how to figure this out you shouldn't be doing a 'refurb' or anything else to this bike.
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Old 05-12-22, 01:06 AM
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Look up something like "how to measure chain stretch" and figure it out for yourself Not meaning to be harsh, but no advice you get here - other than that - will do any good at all. If you're uncertain at all or can't figure out how to measure whether it's good or not, just buy a new, modestly priced, chain. And look up how to size it properly. You can just match the size of the old chain, but would want to make sure that it was sized properly.
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Old 05-12-22, 07:05 AM
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https://www.sheldonbrown.com/chain-wear.html

near the end, instructions on how to measure for wear. Or just replace chain and be done with it.
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Old 05-12-22, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by cxwrench
OP if you don't know how to figure this out you shouldn't be doing a 'refurb' or anything else to this bike.
And why not? Did you not begin to learn somewhere or have you always been an opinionated expert?
If you cannot offer dignified advice to someone needing assistance, why bother to reply?
Did your response give any type of assistance, or just make you somehow feel superior?
Maybe not everyone has the funds to just go out and buy a $1,000.00 or more new bike.
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Old 05-12-22, 07:02 PM
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If the bike was not well cared for, the chain IMHO is suspect. KMC chains are not terribly expensive on Amazon and since you indicate that your bike is possibly not a high end bike Wal-Mart sells bicycle chains that will work. You will likely want a chain tool as you will probably have to remove a few links to get it to the length you need.
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Old 05-12-22, 08:04 PM
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Just be aware that if the chain has stretched to the point that it needs replacing, the replacement chain might not mesh well with the old cog and chainring teeth; they can get wallowed out as a chain wears. Sometimes replacing the drivetrain parts all at once is the best remedy, but it all depends on their condition. Start with a new chain; it'll usually let you know if other parts are needed by making noise and/or "skipping" over the worn teeth.

New vs old chainrings:

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Old 05-12-22, 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Rolla
Just be aware that if the chain has stretched to the point that it needs replacing, the replacement chain might not mesh well with the old cog and chainring teeth; they can get wallowed out as a chain wears. Sometimes replacing the drivetrain parts all at once is the best remedy, but it all depends on their condition. Start with a new chain; it'll usually let you know if other parts are needed by making noise and/or "skipping" over the worn teeth.

New vs old chainrings:

+1 But, that picture is of a new chainring and one that is very worn. Much more likely is that you cannot see a lot of wear on yours but that there is still enough that a new chain will not run properly. So, when you take off the old chain, do not throw it away! If the new chain does work out, hooray! But if it does not, now you have two choices. You can replace the freewheel/cassette (and you may need to replace the chainrings also) to work with your new chain or you can put the old one back on the old cogs and chainrings. The teeth wear down as the chain stretches so the combo may last along time as a (sorta) functioning unit but if it is worn enough, any new part will not mesh. If this is the case, I would plan on replacing everything but meanwhile, if you need a ride, the old system may work. (May. New to us used bikes are always a gamble.)
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Old 05-12-22, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 79pmooney
+1 But, that picture is of a new chainring and one that is very worn. Much more likely is that you cannot see a lot of wear on yours but that there is still enough that a new chain will not run properly. So, when you take off the old chain, do not throw it away! If the new chain does work out, hooray! But if it does not, now you have two choices. You can replace the freewheel/cassette (and you may need to replace the chainrings also) to work with your new chain or you can put the old one back on the old cogs and chainrings.

^ Good advice. Don't throw away any old parts, at least for awhile.
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