Bicycle Mechanics - Chain replacement

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.

PDA

View Full Version : Chain replacement

Bobsled

05-18-09, 10:05 AM

I realize the answer to this question depends on a lot of factors, but is there a hard and fast rule for when to replace a chain? I have never replaced the chain on my bike in the last 8 years, but I do inspect it for strech via the 12" ruler per 12 links method regularly and its seemed ok. Anyway, I took my bike in for service and the tech said it MUST be replace every 3500 mile regardless. Seems a bit excessive.

What do people do?

demoncyclist

05-18-09, 10:24 AM

Wear is important, mileage is not.

capwater

05-18-09, 10:57 AM

Not the old "When Should I Replace My Chain" thread again!

It's all about wear. Also keep in mind 10 speed chains wear out faster than 9 speed ones.

Bobsled

05-18-09, 11:09 AM

Yup, it's the chain tread.

Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah, I have a 9 speed too. It's just that the guy looked at me like I had two heads when I told him it's the orginal chain from '01. I was a little put off by that.