sjmartin
06-01-11, 12:33 PM
Vote
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - How often do you replace your chain?
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06-01-11, 12:35 PM
When it breaks or starts causing issues such as jumping off of cogs.
sjmartin
06-01-11, 12:53 PM
So basically you wait until it's too late.
TejanoTrackie
06-01-11, 01:04 PM
When it exceeds the stretch limit indicated by Park Tool CC-3. I check at least 4 different sections of chain, since they can stretch unevenly. Chain life varies widely depending on usage and quality. I've gotten over 5000 miles on road chains on geared bikes and only 500 miles on my cross bike.
sjmartin
06-01-11, 01:12 PM
What are you using for your track bike? What has been the best in your experience (not in regards to price).
LesterOfPuppets
06-01-11, 01:13 PM
I try to replace before it measures 12 1/8" pin-to-pin under tension. I don't keep a good enough mileage log to vote, though.
sjmartin
06-01-11, 01:14 PM
I just hit the 2000 mile mark and measured my chain with a ruler. Seems to be off by 1.5/16". Trying to find my next replacement.
sjmartin
06-01-11, 01:15 PM
Ah, I guess not many people have computers on their SS/FG bikes. I put one on all my bikes.
ianjk
06-01-11, 01:31 PM
New chain before winter and after spring.
TejanoTrackie
06-01-11, 01:39 PM
What are you using for your track bike? What has been the best in your experience (not in regards to price).
I currently have an Izumi ESH on my Pista Concept, which was the cheapest njs chain at the time, but has been discontinued. I've only used it for one season on the track, so I can't speak to durability, however, it is very smooth running. I has a screw and nut type master link, that is an njs requirement. Prior to that it had the stock KHS chain, that was badly worn after 3 seasons. I suspect a good cheaper chain like a SRAM PC-7X or regular non-njs Izumi would work just fine, but I figure with all the money I spend on racing, what's a few more bucks on a chain.
I currently have an Izumi ESH on my Pista Concept, which was the cheapest njs chain at the time, but has been discontinued. I've only used it for one season on the track, so I can't speak to durability, however, it is very smooth running. I has a screw and nut type master link, that is an njs requirement. Prior to that it had the stock KHS chain, that was badly worn after 3 seasons. I suspect a good cheaper chain like a SRAM PC-7X or regular non-njs Izumi would work just fine, but I figure with all the money I spend on racing, what's a few more bucks on a chain.
sjmartin
06-01-11, 02:17 PM
What are your thoughts on the screw on master link? Does it work well for you? Are you continually tightening every week? Any downfalls to that type of masterlink? Could I not use a master link at all?
dbwoi
06-01-11, 02:51 PM
No idea how many miles I ride, never checked my chain for wear. I've been riding the same chain everyday for about 8 months now, maybe I should take a look.
TejanoTrackie
06-01-11, 02:51 PM
What are your thoughts on the screw on master link? Does it work well for you? Are you continually tightening every week? Any downfalls to that type of masterlink? Could I not use a master link at all?
The link is a bit of a hassle to install, since you have to tighten the nut at the back, while holding the screw secure at the front. The way it works is the screw is first threaded into the rear link plate until the shoulder on the screw is stopped against the inside of the rear link plate. The nut is then threaded onto the screw threads protruding outside the link plate. Once installed properly, it will not get loose or require retightening. Of course, you can just remove the inner + outer link set and replace it with a conventional link that is assembled with a chain tool. If you don't plan on frequent chain removal and installation, then a non-master link setup makes more sense.
The link is a bit of a hassle to install, since you have to tighten the nut at the back, while holding the screw secure at the front. The way it works is the screw is first threaded into the rear link plate until the shoulder on the screw is stopped against the inside of the rear link plate. The nut is then threaded onto the screw threads protruding outside the link plate. Once installed properly, it will not get loose or require retightening. Of course, you can just remove the inner + outer link set and replace it with a conventional link that is assembled with a chain tool. If you don't plan on frequent chain removal and installation, then a non-master link setup makes more sense.
hwdxbassist
06-01-11, 03:23 PM
never ive had my sram pc-1 chain for 8 months and countless miles...il get it checked today at the lbs..i take care of it and it runs super smooth so il replace it when it breaks
hahahahhaa
ftw
hahahahhaa
ftw
Leukybear
06-01-11, 03:27 PM
All these people who say they'll wait for the chain to break usually end up breaking more than just the chain... Darwin awards all around!!!
I do what TT does but with the park CC - 2
I do what TT does but with the park CC - 2
cinemattic
06-01-11, 03:33 PM
All these people who say they'll wait for the chain to break usually end up breaking more than just the chain... Darwin awards all around!!!
I do what TT does but with the park CC - 2
that's true. i had a cheap KMC 400 series chain and that thing popped after 3 months of riding. bent 2 spokes in my back wheel and had to have my lady pick me up. that was a little hit on the ego for a night/day
but i'm slowly starting to up my tools. a chain measure will be soon, after some bb tools..
I do what TT does but with the park CC - 2
that's true. i had a cheap KMC 400 series chain and that thing popped after 3 months of riding. bent 2 spokes in my back wheel and had to have my lady pick me up. that was a little hit on the ego for a night/day
but i'm slowly starting to up my tools. a chain measure will be soon, after some bb tools..
tFUnK
06-01-11, 03:42 PM
On the geared bikes I only replace if I notice detrimental shifting. I'm a bit more cautious with the narrow 10sp stuff since I've seen a few of those snap during rides. But on the ssfg bikes I don't see the need to regularly replace. I've never seen a chain fall or snap on a ssfg under normal use.
dsprehe89
06-01-11, 03:42 PM
All these people who say they'll wait for the chain to break usually end up breaking more than just the chain... Darwin awards all around!!!
I've broke 3 chains over the past 12 years on my Dyno Zone and have only ever had to replace my tires, tubes, and chains and never had a broken bone in my life. Been in plenty of crashes (usually from trying to do a jump that is just to far/high for me), but never had a crash or major failure from a chain. You can usually tell if your chain is to the point of breaking and any time I am getting ready to do major riding such as a 20-30 trail ride on either a BMX or MTB I do a basic check, but other than that, I ride it till it goes and so far has never failed me. Granted, I've just started riding on my first ever road bike this week and that may change things going at higher speeds.
I've broke 3 chains over the past 12 years on my Dyno Zone and have only ever had to replace my tires, tubes, and chains and never had a broken bone in my life. Been in plenty of crashes (usually from trying to do a jump that is just to far/high for me), but never had a crash or major failure from a chain. You can usually tell if your chain is to the point of breaking and any time I am getting ready to do major riding such as a 20-30 trail ride on either a BMX or MTB I do a basic check, but other than that, I ride it till it goes and so far has never failed me. Granted, I've just started riding on my first ever road bike this week and that may change things going at higher speeds.
Leukybear
06-01-11, 04:05 PM
I've broke 3 chains over the past 12 years on my Dyno Zone and have only ever had to replace my tires, tubes, and chains and never had a broken bone in my life. Been in plenty of crashes (usually from trying to do a jump that is just to far/high for me), but never had a crash or major failure from a chain. You can usually tell if your chain is to the point of breaking and any time I am getting ready to do major riding such as a 20-30 trail ride on either a BMX or MTB I do a basic check, but other than that, I ride it till it goes and so far has never failed me. Granted, I've just started riding on my first ever road bike this week and that may change things going at higher speeds.
But are you running a brake? I was more specifically directing this toward the brakeless crowd. Think car disc brake but no rotor, all you have is the caliper....
EDIT: I just realized that's a BMX bike.... lol that's a joke for riding brakeless no offense compared to a 700C bike; unmounting and just using your feet to foot brake without wrecking is so much easier.
But are you running a brake? I was more specifically directing this toward the brakeless crowd. Think car disc brake but no rotor, all you have is the caliper....
EDIT: I just realized that's a BMX bike.... lol that's a joke for riding brakeless no offense compared to a 700C bike; unmounting and just using your feet to foot brake without wrecking is so much easier.
Xgecko
06-01-11, 05:07 PM
I usually replace mine about once a year regardless of whether is needs to be replaced....safer that way
hairnet
06-01-11, 08:05 PM
I have a bad habit of not lubing my FG's chain as often as I should,
erpdat
06-01-11, 08:42 PM
been riding my izumi chain for 2 years. still going strong.
Sherblock
06-01-11, 08:43 PM
I have a bad habit of not lubing my FG's chain as often as I should,
I went for pretty much the entire winter :o But so far, so good!
I went for pretty much the entire winter :o But so far, so good!
erpdat
06-01-11, 08:58 PM
Shiiiit. I lube mine once a week and clean the whole drivetrain with simple green bi-monthly.
foofighter29er
06-01-11, 09:49 PM
i would hate to have the chain snap on me when i'm out of the saddle trying to get over a steep pitch...that would be bad
dookie
06-01-11, 09:50 PM
New chain before winter and after spring.
that's my kind of maintenance schedule....
that's my kind of maintenance schedule....
xavier853
06-01-11, 10:01 PM
Shiiiit. I lube mine once a week and clean the whole drivetrain with simple green bi-monthly.
This is what ive been doing lately. Keeps things nice.
Although, its just about 1 year on my miche chain. I didn't measure it when I bought it, but i can tell just by looking that I have more slack then usual.
This is what ive been doing lately. Keeps things nice.
Although, its just about 1 year on my miche chain. I didn't measure it when I bought it, but i can tell just by looking that I have more slack then usual.
yummygooey
06-02-11, 05:42 AM
I use a chain checker tool.
I am also guilty of not lubing my chain as often as I should.
I am also guilty of not lubing my chain as often as I should.
PHR3AK
06-02-11, 03:04 PM
about six months ago, really surprised it hold up so far...worked on the bike for the last half year and replaced nothing but a pair of time atacs with destroyed bearings
chain lenght about 3" had to take a link out cause the track ends were to short
204474
chain lenght about 3" had to take a link out cause the track ends were to short
204474
TejanoTrackie
06-02-11, 03:12 PM
204474
lolz
lolz
carleton
06-02-11, 03:13 PM
As others I'm sure have stated:
Time is not the primary factor used to determine a chain's ability to do it's job. Length as a result of stretching is.
There is no "Use By" date on a chain. But there are chain checkers.
Chains are not affected as much by time as cable housing and tires. But, heat and storage conditions affect those more than a properly lubed chain sitting in storage.
Time is not the primary factor used to determine a chain's ability to do it's job. Length as a result of stretching is.
There is no "Use By" date on a chain. But there are chain checkers.
Chains are not affected as much by time as cable housing and tires. But, heat and storage conditions affect those more than a properly lubed chain sitting in storage.
carleton
06-02-11, 03:15 PM
about six months ago, really surprised it hold up so far...worked on the bike for the last half year and replaced nothing but a pair of time atacs with destroyed bearings
chain lenght about 3" had to take a link out cause the track ends were to short
204474
Dude, you *do* know that that is a 3/32" chain on a 1/8" chainring, right?
That chain is "fitting" on that chainring like:
http://img.costumecraze.com/images/vendors/eloper/M6612a-main.jpg
chain lenght about 3" had to take a link out cause the track ends were to short
204474
Dude, you *do* know that that is a 3/32" chain on a 1/8" chainring, right?
That chain is "fitting" on that chainring like:
http://img.costumecraze.com/images/vendors/eloper/M6612a-main.jpg
carleton
06-02-11, 03:17 PM
about six months ago, really surprised it hold up so far...worked on the bike for the last half year and replaced nothing but a pair of time atacs with destroyed bearings
chain lenght about 3" had to take a link out cause the track ends were to short
204474
Also, your chainring needs to be replaced. It should not have sharp, pointy teeth:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=204474&d=1307048472
Healthy teeth:
http://www.bti-usa.com/pictures/SH/SH22148.JPG
chain lenght about 3" had to take a link out cause the track ends were to short
204474
Also, your chainring needs to be replaced. It should not have sharp, pointy teeth:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=204474&d=1307048472
Healthy teeth:
http://www.bti-usa.com/pictures/SH/SH22148.JPG
carleton
06-02-11, 03:18 PM
Oh, and...chainring bolts. You need them.
How the hell are you alive right now?
How the hell are you alive right now?
PHR3AK
06-02-11, 03:31 PM
when i took the link out the bolt had been worn down about a quarter of its diameter, that was two months ago so i guess its still half of it left that should be ok for a bit longer. i moved the chain ring bolts so that are not two in a row are missing, hold up so far.
only has to hold up two more weeks anyway, then i fly back to seattle. going to sell the frame and the still use able parts here in berlin. just wanted to see once what a half year of riding would do to a bike...
only has to hold up two more weeks anyway, then i fly back to seattle. going to sell the frame and the still use able parts here in berlin. just wanted to see once what a half year of riding would do to a bike...
carleton
06-02-11, 03:35 PM
when i took the link out the bolt had been worn down about a quarter of its diameter, that was two months ago so i guess its still half of it left that should be ok for a bit longer. i moved the chain ring bolts so that are not two in a row are missing, hold up so far.
only has to hold up two more weeks anyway, then i fly back to seattle. going to sell the frame and the still use able parts here in berlin. just wanted to see once what a half year of riding would do to a bike...
No, this is what a year and a half of poor maintenance and not using the right chain will do to a bike.
Not to be dramatic, but you may be one pedal stroke away from losing your teeth.
We cannot control the unforseen...but we can control what we can control. Proper parts and bike maintenance are *well* within our control.
only has to hold up two more weeks anyway, then i fly back to seattle. going to sell the frame and the still use able parts here in berlin. just wanted to see once what a half year of riding would do to a bike...
No, this is what a year and a half of poor maintenance and not using the right chain will do to a bike.
Not to be dramatic, but you may be one pedal stroke away from losing your teeth.
We cannot control the unforseen...but we can control what we can control. Proper parts and bike maintenance are *well* within our control.
LesterOfPuppets
06-02-11, 03:44 PM
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=204474&d=1307048472
zomg! I'd rather ride freewheel brakeless through downtown in bare feet on a bike that's 8cm too big for me than to ride that chainring setup.
zomg! I'd rather ride freewheel brakeless through downtown in bare feet on a bike that's 8cm too big for me than to ride that chainring setup.
PHR3AK
06-02-11, 03:49 PM
No, this is what a year and a half of poor maintenance and not using the right chain will do to a bike.
why should the chain not be right? maintenance sucks, that's why i ride a track bike so i only have to oil the chain and tension it. wonder if the chain ring would be ok mounted backwars with a new chain?!
why should the chain not be right? maintenance sucks, that's why i ride a track bike so i only have to oil the chain and tension it. wonder if the chain ring would be ok mounted backwars with a new chain?!
carleton
06-02-11, 03:52 PM
why should the chain not be right? maintenance sucks, that's why i ride a track bike so i only have to oil the chain and tension it. wonder if the chain ring would be ok mounted backwars with a new chain?!
You don't deserve to have a bike. Stick to walking, buses, taxis, and light rail :)
You don't deserve to have a bike. Stick to walking, buses, taxis, and light rail :)
TejanoTrackie
06-02-11, 03:53 PM
why should the chain not be right? maintenance sucks, that's why i ride a track bike so i only have to oil the chain and tension it. wonder if the chain ring would be ok mounted backwars with a new chain?!
lolz
lolz
yummygooey
06-02-11, 03:54 PM
I'm surprised your bike hasn't exploded yet.
LesterOfPuppets
06-02-11, 03:56 PM
maintenance sucks, that's why i ride a track bike so i only have to oil the chain and tension it
You should look into a unicycle. It's really chains that suck.
You should look into a unicycle. It's really chains that suck.
TejanoTrackie
06-02-11, 04:01 PM
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=204474&d=1307048472
Sick stickers, bro.
Sick stickers, bro.
JohnDThompson
06-02-11, 04:04 PM
Please tell me this is a troll thread.
LesterOfPuppets
06-02-11, 04:06 PM
Well, I don't think it started out as one but it's way funner now that it's become one.
PHR3AK
06-02-11, 04:21 PM
don't get the wrong idea, i appreciate nice bikes and have a few, but i also know what to do with a beater - build it up with decent parts and beat it till it falls apart
carleton
06-02-11, 04:25 PM
don't get the wrong idea, i appreciate nice bikes and have a few, but i also know what to do with a beater - build it up with decent parts and beat it till it falls apart
You obviously don't know jack :)
You obviously don't know jack :)
PHR3AK
06-02-11, 04:29 PM
You obviously don't know jack :)
wired statement, what makes you think so?
wired statement, what makes you think so?
LesterOfPuppets
06-02-11, 04:31 PM
My beater philosophy is to build it up with OK parts, nothing flashy, hopefully mostly free, but make an effort to help them perform the best they can.
PHR3AK
06-02-11, 04:37 PM
i prefer to ride it till it's really broken and then just take the time and fix everything at once. have all the parts ready just in case but if it holds up for another few thousand then even better