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Replace chain with new 7-speed Cassette?

Old 05-30-19, 07:00 AM
  #1  
maartendc
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Replace chain with new 7-speed Cassette?

Hello all,

I just got a new 7-speed cassette installed on my commuter bike.

I am using my old Sram PC850 7/8-speed chain with it. I estimate I have put around 1700-1900km on the chain since it was new about a year ago. My chain wear indicator says the chain is 0.5% worn, but not yet 0.75% worn. Was using this chain with a pretty worn freewheel.

I have noticed my drivetrain is not as smooth as I'd like with the new cassette, even when the chain is freshly lubed. A few sprockets give me a kind of "crunchy" feeling when pedaling, while others are perfectly smooth feeling.

Time to replace the chain too?

Thanks!
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Old 05-30-19, 07:17 AM
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HerrKaLeun
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New cassette or chainring - always new chain unless it only has a few miles on. Saving on the cheap chain is false economics.
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Old 05-30-19, 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by HerrKaLeun
New cassette or chainring - always new chain unless it only has a few miles on. Saving on the cheap chain is false economics.
Thanks for your response! Yeah, in my mind it was still "new enough", but when I did the math, I've actually put a decent amount of miles on it!

I guess now I am looking for a good quality chain. The KMC X8.99 seems really good (KMC's top of the line 7-8 speed chain), I found it for $13 shipped. I really like the missing link.
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Old 05-30-19, 11:03 AM
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An old chain will wear the cassette to match very quickly. Always get a new chain for your new cassette or freewheel!
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Old 05-30-19, 01:20 PM
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I always do new chain with a new cassette or freewheel. Not worth it to try to get a few more miles on the old chain and cause unnecessary wear on the new cassette IMO
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Old 05-31-19, 06:43 AM
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Toss your chain checker and measure your chains with a good steel rule.
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Old 06-01-19, 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by maartendc
Thanks for your response! Yeah, in my mind it was still "new enough", but when I did the math, I've actually put a decent amount of miles on it!

I guess now I am looking for a good quality chain. The KMC X8.99 seems really good (KMC's top of the line 7-8 speed chain), I found it for $13 shipped. I really like the missing link.
Chunk the chain gauge and get a ruller. Replaceat 1/16" wear (1/2 %).
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Old 06-02-19, 01:44 PM
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The Precautionary sort extends the cassette, life with frequent chain replacements,

or as others offered cassette & chain go together.
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