My theory is that it took a beating last winter, as we rode a lot in wet, gritty, and sometimes salty conditions. I believe the guy when he measured it with his gauge and said it’s worn, because the drivetrain has begun making some noise. I keep Boeshield T9 on all our chains, but didn’t have a chance to wash the bikes after every nasty ride.

burnthesheep, on everything you wrote above, I agree!