AL:30 Solo

I have a little over 1,000 miles on my 10-spd Ultegra chain. Using my Spin Doctor chain wear tool I tested about 10 links. A few are at the .75 mark, but most are not. Obviously none are stretched at 1.0.

Do you think it is too soon to replace the chain? Personally, I would rather do it now than later just so I can extend the life of my chainrings and cassette. But, I would think that replaceing a chain after only a 1,000 miles seems too soon!

Any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks

Psimet2001 

Holy crap....I can't believe someone is finally asking about when to replace a chain!!!



Seriously though....You answered it yourself:

Chain wear tools are OK, but sometimes it's just better to measure. Measure 12 links. If it measure 12 1/6 or over then replace. If it is close and you feel like replacing it anyway then....by all means. Mileage on chains as an indication of wear is abuot as meaningless as a condom in a dork's wallet.

zpl

Chains are fairly cheap. It sounds like replacing it now would give you some peace of mind.

mantis

When checking the chains on my bikes, my antennae go up whenever I measure a chain and it reads .75, when measured with the Park CC-2 Chain Checker. I really start watching it closely then, and when it gets midway between .75 and 1.0, I replace it.

FormerBMX'er

I think it's time measure my chain...seriously

jrobe

I would hate to be replacing my chain every 1000 miles. This should not be necessary with good chain maintenence.

mclodfelter

For Campy chains, is it really required to use their tool to connect a new chain?? or will any tool do the job right?

Psimet2001 

Most any higher quality chain tools will work. You just need to pay attention to what you're doing. Should do that with the Campy tool as well. I hate 10spd pins and links. I always feel like I am handling hazardous waste when putting them in.

Psimet2001 

Hogwash. You know nothing about this individual, his/her setup, riding style, terrain, etc. Anecdotal evidence of your chains lasting longer in terms of mileage are meaningless. I would include "gut feel" or rules of thumb from LBS mechanics in the same category - worthless.

It all boils down to wear. Measure it. Replace when you deem it necessary to. Anything else is inaccurate and a waste of time.

kudude

FWIW the chain checker tools will never give a false negative -- if it says it isn't worn, it isn't worn. However, they can "inflate" the wear a bit given their design. If you can measure with a ruler, that's the best way. The chain checker will get you in the ballpark. I plan to replace as soon as I get the 1.0 in. 0.75 is a little soon. YMMV, etc

AL:30 Solo

I like to think that I maintain my chain pretty well. I clean it once a month and lubricate it often. The 1,000 miles that I have ridden so far on this chain is on mostly flat areas with some hills and mountains.

On the chain checker If I wait until the 1.0 fits in I can probably go another 500 miles or so, but I would rather pay $27 for a new chain than $65 for a new cassette, so I don't mind changing it now instead of waiting.

I am just a little puzzled becasue the chain that came with the bike lasted about 2,400 miles before I had to change it.

Nickshu

It only takes one time of ramming your nuts into the stem when your chain snaps to motivate you to replace it frequently. Been there, done that....better safe than sorry!

s4one

Just change it but also check your sprockets for wear or else they will eat down your new chain.

stapfam

I use a ParkTools chain checker and it will give me the amount my chain is worn. A new chain on measurement will show it has some wear- but I have done 3,000 miles on my Ultegra chain and it is showing .75% worn. It has been showing that since 1500 miles. I will change it when it is 1% worn. But the quality of the tool is what you have to look at. My eyes on 10 links and I will not be accurate. This tool will give me a consistent measurement. And watch the Video to see how easy it can be done.

https://www.parktool.com/products/det...=5&item=CC%2D2

Psimet2001 

Wear can be accelerated through excessive big-big cross chaining as well.

BTW - $27 for a new chain on a 10spd drivetrain is too high. Buy the Forte branded chain from Performance when it is on sale (regularly found for $19 "on sale"). It is a KMC DX10. I love them.

DiabloScott

Other than financial and environmental concerns, there is no downside to replacing your chain as often as you want to.

1,000 miles is a little on the short side of the bell curve but maybe. Chain wear indicators and measurement protocols are a frequent topic of debate.

Hickeydog

ow. ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow.


Can you still have kids?

Nickshu

Actually I went on to have 2 healthy kids (well my wife actually had them, but I contributed...as far as I know). Did take awhile for the equipment to heal up though.