Originally Posted by
Buffalo Buff
I did tour on this bike with ~25lbs on gear through the mountains. When I took my bike back to the local shop afterwards to have them give it a look, two different employes said my chain was stretched out, and that if I didn't replace it I could eventually damage my cogs.
Measure it with a ruler when you lubricate it. Shift to big ring x small cog, put tension on the lower chain run, and measure between the same part (like 9 o'clock) of pins which should be 11 or 12" apart.
1/16" of elongation (0.5% at 12", and 0.55% at 11" which is close enough) is time for replacement.
Don't know if it matters but I also weigh 220lbs.
That will reduce chain and tire life.