Originally Posted by
bikerbob38
I purchased a Trek Verve 3 a little over a year ago, have 3.200 miles on the chain and the chain wear tool indicates it is time for replacement.
The bike came with a KMC X9 chain.
Searching around I found these suggestions
• KMC X9.93 → better plating, longer life
• SRAM PC‑971 → very robust, good for heavier riders or mixed terrain
I am 87yoa, bike exclusively on a macadam bike trail, bike only when the trail is dry, bike mainly for the joy of it and to get some cardio-vascular exercise.
This is my first chain replacement, I have a master-link tool, and I would welcome any tips and tricks, cautionary advice, suggestions for chain choice, and especially advice on getting the right chain length.
sounds like the X9.93 is a good choice.
you'll have to set the length yourself, or get help doing so... i have always used the small/small method... many prefer to calculate the length, or use the big/big method.
Small/Small gives the chain ample slack, and reduces tension friction.
here's a vid about the Verve...
an article on chain length determination...
https://bike.bikegremlin.com/614/cha...h-derailleurs/
Small/Small sets the chain as loose as possible, while still maintaining tension on the chain.... the der's cage/rollers end up about level to the ground, and there is less tension on the chain, overall..
you can see if your present chain is the correct length, then just copy that length by counting the links... a worn out chain is going to be longer due to wear, and simply laying the chains next to each other isn't accurate enough.. COUNT THE LINKS, ok?
the "quick link" master links are simple and effective.
better to set the chain length a bit long, then cut again, if needed....... pushing the pins back in is difficult, never recommended, and they love to come back out at really bad moments... OUCH!