rwsh

I have a Record-10 equipped bike with a Ti/steel cassette and a Wippermann stainless chain. The first chain was probably kept on the bike way too long (7000 miles, even tho’ it did NOT exhibit much stretch) but when replaced, the new one skipped on certain cassette cogs. Conventional wisdom suggests the extended use of the chain wore the cogs but opinions on this issue have varied widely. My gearing set-up (53/42/30 and 11-21) does result in my using the Ti cogs more than manufacturer’s predictions. Four questions: (a) how long should I get out of a Wippermann stainless (b) how long per cassette (c) is longitudinal chain stretch truly a good indicator (d) could there be a differential material incompatibility (Ti/stainless). Sorry ‘bout the long note … thanks for any advice. William

Dave Stohler

The cogs are toast.
You left the chain on too long. Even I can't get 7k out of a chain, and I thouroughly clean mine about every 500 miles.
Next question?

demoncyclist

A stainless steel chain is much harder, so it will tend not to stretch, and will wear the cogs more rapidly, no matter what they are made of. A Campy chain, replaced at proper intervals, will do less damage to your cassette. I guess you have to decide what you want to replace more often- a normal chain or a Ti cassette.

DEMON

Dave Stohler

[rant]
For the ten millionth time, chains do not stretch! They elongate. [/rant]