chain replacement

[chevy57]

I have an 06 Trek Pilot that I have kept pretty clean. Lubed the chain when needed. I measured the stretch based on the Sheldon Brown article and decided it was time to change it. It was stretched 1/8 over the 12 inch measurement. I put 996 miles on the bike in the first season and have 2278 miles so far this season.

Bottom line: It took about 10 minutes to change. New SRAM chain cost $20.00. Check you chain often and don't be afraid to change it yourself.

chevy57

[twobikes]

Replacing the chain protects you from a broken chain on the road. At the best, you might have a chain tool with you and get away with only some very greasy fingers. At the worst, you could have a long walk home. It helps me to think of a chain as a disposable item, like a tube or a tire, instead of thinking about it as a portion of my shiny beloved bicycle. I bought a Park CC-3 tool for checking chain wear. It is easier and faster to use than measuring chain stretch. Replacing a chain also protects your expensive drive train from wearing out too soon. I have also noticed that a new chain shifts so much more smoothly.

[chevy57]

twobikes,

I agree with you. I am going to replace mine regularly. I just don't know how often yet. I got about 3k miles out of the original. The new chain looks to be of higher quality than the original. The flip side is for $20 bucks and 10 minutes of time why risk cassette or chainring problems.

chevy57

[The SweatHog]

Place the end of tape measure on a chain pin, measure out 12 inches. If the pin you come to at 12 inches is 1/16th of an inch past the 12 inch mark, go buy a chain and replace soon. If the pin is at 1/8th of an inch, replace immediately.

I found this simple check method way too late a few years ago. Measured my chain and had 3/16th stretch in the chain. Bought a new chain and it would not work with my now worn out cranks and cassette. $20 for a new chain every year is a lot cheaper than new drive train!

The SRAM chains are SOOOOOO easy to install, I highly recommend.

[geo8rge]

Depending on your riding conditions you might consider a stainless steel chain.

New chain might be a time to consider a new type of lube, for example wax or one of the powders, assuming it makes sense for your riding conditions.

[DieselDan]

You should replace the cassette with the chain. A worn cassette will exponentially wear out a new chain.