Devil Dog
09-01-03, 06:03 PM
What happens to these componants that indicates wear? How does one know when to replace the cassette,chain rings and chain?
Bicycle Mechanics - How do you measure cassette and chain ring wear?
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aerobat
09-01-03, 07:26 PM
Park tools makes a very simple to use tool to check chain "stretch" or you can measure with a ruler - 12 links = 12 inches. For more info look here:
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35144&highlight=chain+wear
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35144&highlight=chain+wear
sch
09-02-03, 09:54 AM
Chain stretch of more than 1/16 suggests significant wear, once it approaches
1/8", chain should definitely be replaced. As a rule of thumb a cassette will last 2 chains, rarely 3 chains. It manifests wear by skipping and jerking with the new chain. The tooth distance on the cassette is larger than that of the chain and the chain jumps. It is pretty obvious. Chainwheels last 4-5 chains and the same phenomena happens there. You may get by changing only the most used chainwheel. If you change chains at the 1/16" point the cassette and chainrings will last a bit longer. If you wait to 1/8" or more, a bit less.
Steve
1/8", chain should definitely be replaced. As a rule of thumb a cassette will last 2 chains, rarely 3 chains. It manifests wear by skipping and jerking with the new chain. The tooth distance on the cassette is larger than that of the chain and the chain jumps. It is pretty obvious. Chainwheels last 4-5 chains and the same phenomena happens there. You may get by changing only the most used chainwheel. If you change chains at the 1/16" point the cassette and chainrings will last a bit longer. If you wait to 1/8" or more, a bit less.
Steve
nebill
09-02-03, 12:59 PM
I've put over 6000 miles on my drivetrain, and so far, no skipping or other obvious signs of wear to any gears. However, I never run a chain for more than 1000 miles (okay, once let it go to 1080 miles!) Just part of my 1000 mile tune up is changing the chain, and it keeps ol' Blue running like a top!