I checked the chain stretch on all of my bikes a month ago, and found that my winter bike's chain was almost to the max limit, whereas my summer bike's chain, with virtually the same miles as the winter bike's chain, had like new measurements. I attribute the chain wear on my winter bike to heavy loads and last winter's above normal foul weather with it's added road grit and grime. My winter ride is now sporting a new chain, and I will be checking the chain on it more often.