Bicycle Mechanics - How often for chain replacement?

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jaws
03-09-05, 04:02 PM
I ride an Ultegra triple with 2800 miles. I've read about the SRAM link that makes it easy to remove and replace the chain for cleaning & lubing. Went shopping for the SRAM link at LBS and the mechanic recomended replacing the chain since it had 2800 miles and was probably worn & stretched. I measured the chain and it is exactly 12 links in 12". I was under the impression that measurment was the wear test.
It rides and shifts well and I was only trying to make it easier to do preventative maintenance.
He also said that they didn't recommend the SRAM link with the Shimano chain as they were slightly different lengths and would cause problems. Any Opinions?

midgie
03-09-05, 04:11 PM
I ride an Ultegra triple with 2800 miles. I've read about the SRAM link that makes it easy to remove and replace the chain for cleaning & lubing. Went shopping for the SRAM link at LBS and the mechanic recomended replacing the chain since it had 2800 miles and was probably worn & stretched. I measured the chain and it is exactly 12 links in 12". I was under the impression that measurment was the wear test.
It rides and shifts well and I was only trying to make it easier to do preventative maintenance.
He also said that they didn't recommend the SRAM link with the Shimano chain as they were slightly different lengths and would cause problems. Any Opinions?

Your LBS should have been able to check the chain stretch for you(for free) with a chain checker. If there is alot of stretch your shifting will get sloppy. And I would assume after 2800 miles there is some stretch. Hes right about the sram link with a shimano chain. If you end up replacing the chain, get a sram
chain. The pc69 is about $30.00
sydney
03-09-05, 04:14 PM
I ride an Ultegra triple with 2800 miles. I've read about the SRAM link that makes it easy to remove and replace the chain for cleaning & lubing. Went shopping for the SRAM link at LBS and the mechanic recomended replacing the chain since it had 2800 miles and was probably worn & stretched. I measured the chain and it is exactly 12 links in 12". I was under the impression that measurment was the wear test.
It rides and shifts well and I was only trying to make it easier to do preventative maintenance.
He also said that they didn't recommend the SRAM link with the Shimano chain as they were slightly different lengths and would cause problems. Any Opinions?You measure a tensioned chain center of pin to center of pin or edge of pin to edge of pin, with a good ruler. Replace when you have 1/16" elongation in a foot of chain.....Sram 9 link works fine with a shimano 9 chain. The different length business makes no sense and may be BW. Some people get much more than 25oo miles out of a chain before it shows enough weaer to replace.....I'd find another LBS.

sydney
03-09-05, 04:16 PM
Hes right about the sram link with a shimano chain.
Sram 9 link works perfectly with a shimano 9 chain folks, including myself, have been doing it for years.
midgie
03-09-05, 04:27 PM
Sram 9 link works perfectly with a shimano 9 chain folks, including myself, have been doing it for years.

I'm suprised, because I've never had it work well together.
capwater
03-09-05, 07:24 PM
You replace stuff when it's worn out, not based on a calendar or mileage log. 3k miles of hammering could wear out your chain (and possibly your ring) whereas 10k miles of easy country riding could still not be there. Not to slam your LBS, but if they are recommending a new chain without showing you why, you're getting taken.