Originally Posted by
Kontact
Considering that all the chain checker manufacturers have you change 10 and 11 speed chains at less elongation than an 8 speed chain, I find this claim pretty unbelievable.
There could be other reasons for that. Just a few to consider:
1. As a chain wears, it also gets more sideways flexible - which migh affect shifting of tightly spaced 10 and 11 speed cogs more, than the more widely spaced ones.
2. Thinner sprockets of 10 and 11 speed systems might get worn quicker and suffer more (since they are thinner and a bit weaker) for a worn chain climbing higher on the teeth (increasing the chance of a tooth breaking).
Not to forget that most chain checker tools give a "false alarm" - that is suggesting a chain replacement before it is elongated for 0.5%.