Interesting...I guess I always (well, mostly...) viewed that the cog/cassette was the weaker link since the chain was both always having to slip on and off any specific cog and would typically "clunk" into the trailing edge of the "leading tooth" causing the valley between to become more ovoid than circular over time. Maybe time I need to change my perspective on that.
What do you use as the wear point for the chain when you decide it's time to replace it? Iirc, isn't 0.1" the normal recommendation? By then, tho, wouldn't the cassette have seen too much wear and tear?
Thx and cheers.....
Originally Posted by
Trsnrtr
Many years ago, I would replace chain and cassette at the same time, probably every 7-8,000 miles or so and I rode in harsh conditions. Then, I finally started checking chain wear and found that if I replaced chains before they wore to a certain point, I didn't need to replace the cassette.
Like mentioned, 3 chains to a cassette is about right. In my case, I generally replace an 11 speed chain at around 6500 miles so a cassette (for me) goes around 20,000 miles.
Also, I have several sets of wheels and multiple bikes. By keeping an eye on chain wear, I can swap wheels/cassettes back and forth with virtually no problems.
To the OP, the chain is the weak link (pun intended) and will damage the rest of the drivetrain if not replaced regularly.