Bicycle Mechanics - KMC 10sp chain seems to be lasting longer than expected, am I checking it wrong?

12" steel rule, link pin center to pin center is still dead on after 2,000 miles (can't believe I've put more miles on the bike than the car since July). I've measured with the chain tight with the help of a second person and loose, laid along the straight edge and get the same thing, no discernable wear re: 12" measurement. My Shimano chains on my 9sp Trek are usually measurably elongated by this time.

I did switch to Prolink ProGold with the KMC on the Veloce from the dry lubes I'd used on the Trek so that's a new variable. On-bike cleaning with a chain cleaner every 600, 700 miles (3 times since purchase).

Just a bit surprised, pleasantly.

Bill

I've never been confident with ruler-measuring compared to a chain checker device (which you can get for $5). But it sounds as if your'e doing it right, with the chain pulled tight.

I think ProLink is a "dry" lube, btw.

Not sure why you are surprised, I've got 4100 miles on my 10-speed Campy chain with no measureable extension. One of my riding buds has about the same.

Al

I've never been confident with ruler-measuring compared to a chain checker device (which you can get for $5). But it sounds as if your'e doing it right, with the chain pulled tight.

I think ProLink is a "dry" lube, btw.

Pedro's wax was what I had been using and was thinking of as a dry lube. I've got one of the Park checkers with the swinging arm - never seems to give consistent readings on any chain,new or used.

Gotcha about dry lube and chain checker. I've got the one-piece chain checker, like this Park (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=99&subcategory=1234&brand=&sku=11164&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat:%20Cassette/Chain/Freewheel) model. No if, and or but with this.

Anyway, on your maintenance schedule, no need to be surprised that your chain is lasting well.

Pedro's wax was what I had been using and was thinking of as a dry lube. I've got one of the Park checkers with the swinging arm - never seems to give consistent readings on any chain,new or used.
Yep, I had someone with one of those measure the chain on one of my bikes and tell me it was worn out. The chain had only about 500km on it. The Park tool can only measure what really is a very tiny variation, whereas at least the ruler will measure it across 12-times that variation. Of course, the ruler has to be accurately marked in the first place, but if the same one is used for all measurements, then no real problem.

I'd say the OP's maintenance and lube routines are working fine.

I've never been confident with ruler-measuring compared to a chain checker device (which you can get for $5). But it sounds as if your'e doing it right, with the chain pulled tight.

I think ProLink is a "dry" lube, btw.

So it's a $5 ruler.

...

Actually ruler measurement is far more accurate than most of the "chain checker" tools, Park's or any one elses.

And with the chain checkers, you need to be very careful not to bend the pins. i.e. don't just throw it in your tool box.

Thanks for the replies, I'm comfortable that I'm not missing something. I'm "old school" in my shifting, too, always backing off a bit before moving the lever. That seems to prevent some of the double-cogging and clattering that I've noticed when some riders shift.

Digital calipers would that be more exacting?

Actually ruler measurement is far more accurate than most of the "chain checker" tools, Park's or any one elses.

The one exception is when the rollers are what's wearing out, and not the pins and plates. I thought my chain was showing no wear at 2000 miles, because according to the ruler, it was spot on at 12 inches. However, the rollers were wearing such that they allowed significantly more space between the rollers. That does not impact the length of the chain, because the length is determined by the pins connecting the plates and the pseudo-bushings of the plates. The rollers can wear independently of those, and the ruler won't show you that.