Chain and gear life
#27
Portland Fred
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,553
Likes: 54
Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid
Originally Posted by Machka
... Now, however, I suspect I'll have to replace the chainring, cassette, and chain. Still, I guess getting 35,000 kms out of them isn't too bad. I think what bothers me about having to replace them is that it is only 3 years!! ...
Be sure to replace the pulleys on the derailleur. I can't imagine that yours are not toast. It is not necessary to replace the entire derailleur. You can visually check it. My guess is that they will be very obviously and visibly worn.
Originally Posted by Machka
...Somehow I guess I thought everything should last much longer than that....
Originally Posted by Machka
...I've got to have several other bits and pieces checked and replaced too ... the bearings in the rear wheel, for example, are shot, and the bottom bracket is very noisy, and my pedals are falling apart ....
One thing to be aware of if you ride in a lot of slop is to check the wear on your rims. Grime on your brakes can just chew up the rims and if they get too thin, that can be a safety issue. I just had to dump a set of wheels earlier this year because I'd worn them out.
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Originally Posted by Portis
I'm not a small, light woman but I am a light man riding flat terrain. I only have 4000 miles on my road bike and I am on my 3rd chain and second cassette. I lube regularly and replace when chainwear indicator says so. I might add that i got new wheels this spring and just threw on a new chain and cassette to go along with the wheels.
I'm a reasonably light (by current standards) 150 pound man who rides in very hilly terrain and my chains and cassettes routinely last 5000-7000 miles. I expect you are discarding perfectly useful chains and cassettes.






