Originally Posted by
joejeweler
LOL,....How often do i replace chains??? I haven't yet! But that's more because i swap between a dozen or so bikes based on weather, and what i'm in the mood to ride that day.:-)
Over the last 3 years i've put on about 2-3K miles a year,......and no chain shows ANY measurable wear and my mostly vintage Dura Ace chainrings on a lot of the bikes look new also.
One of the advantages of having a fairly large stable,.......i guess at almost 57 i may never have to put a new chain on????
You've never replaced a chain? How long have you been riding bikes? A chain won't last forever, no matter how much lubricant..dry or wet...you slather on. A chain, as well as cogs and chain wheels, is a consumable. They
will wear out. I average the same mileage per year spread out over several bikes as well but I'm not under the delusion that I will never have to replace a chain because I've been doing the same yearly mileage for the last 35+ years and have had to replace many chains.
Modern chains are even more delicate than the 5 and 6 speed chains of the past and wear more quickly. Throw dirt at them (mountain biking) or put them under high stress (touring) or throw salt a them (winter commuting) and you'll be replacing chains even more frequently. It's just the nature of the beast.