Originally Posted by
RubberLegs
Winters can be quite BRUTAL on a bike, I had a paper route in WIS, and Killed a poor Coast-to-Coast 10-speed running it. 5 miles every day, ALL kinds of NASTY weather, sand and salt. Had a ball bearing sheer in half, locking up by back wheel once. The rest of the balls looked more like pebbles. Sand, salt and slush do a number on them! Do the chain measure test, 1/2 inch per link. If it is 1/8 past in 12", it is GONE. Skipping would be particularly bad under load on the smaller cogs.
I just measured the chain like you said and it was 1/4" past in 12". I guess that means it needs replacement. Would that mean I need to replace the gear cassette too? The teeth on the gears are pointy in some places.