Originally Posted by
egoist
I use this bike as a rain/beater bike, so reliability is key. I want to avoid mechanical issues along wet/cold roads. I keep the chain cleaned and lubed reguarly.
If you're not using a quick-link, there's no reason to start. I've had reliability issues with them. A pin won't mysteriously come apart in mid-ride.
If upgrading the chain is mostly a weight savings issue, it sounds more like a treat than a neccessity for me.
Well, there are various reasons for upgrading, but in your case a straight replacement is fine.
If I've waited too long to replace the chain resulting in excessive ring and cog wear, will this be noticeable to me... like the chain/cog noise I noticed when I was cleaing the chain?
If you've waited too long, then you'll have shifting issues on the now worn out cassette. No way to tell for sure until you try it. But at 1/16", you should be fine.
If the chain shifts smoothly after replacement can I figure alls well that ends well?
Yep.
