Originally Posted by
bernmart
Is there anything to be done to prolong chain life? Do some chains last longer than others? Am I just venting about a necessary expense that's part of the newer, high-tech bikes?
Two factor to consider:
1. Chain Maintenance - keeping the chain clean and lubricated will help prolong its life. I mountain ride and apply a dry lube every ~40 miles. For me, a dry lube doesn't attract sand or dirt and allows the chain to be cleaned with a stiff brush, but the drawback is dry lubes don't tend to last as long as wet lubes.
2. Quality/brand - I've had great results from SRAM chains.