The recent issue of Bicycling magazine has a tech - Kopp, page 74 - recommending a new chain every 1400-1800 miles. My Campy 10 speed chain has been kept cleaned and lubed and seems to be just fine at 1850 miles. Do I really need a new chain?? Any advice would be appreciated.

Jim

That's just a recommendation based on someone's estimate of how long it takes on average for a chain to wear out. Wearing out means that it streches to the point that the chain links no longer line up properly with the gear teeth on your bike, leading to excessive wear on the cassette and chainring.

Check out Sholdon Brown's site for info on how to measure chain wear. If your chain has not stretched beyond acceptable limits, it does not need to be replaced regardless of how many miles it has. Campy chains are both more expensive and longer lasting than some other brands so you don't want to toss it out too soon,

Sheldon Brown that is...

I keep my 9-speed chain pretty clean, and typically get about 4000 miles out of it before it needs replacing. That is, when 12 link pins measures 12 and 1/32 inch.
Tom

Bicycling magazine just wants you to buy more chains. One of their advertisers must have slipped this 'suggestion' in with their ad copy.

You replace a chain based on its worn length, not odometer reading.

Me too. Over 4K miles per chain swap. I can't imagine changing it less than 2K unless you don't take care of the chain or you ride in really crappy weather.

There are too many variables to rely on mileage as a metric. Lubrication, grit, condition of cogs, water, applied stress, etc. all contribute to chain wear. I bought a go/no-go gauge from Park,

https://www.parktool.com/tools/CC_3.shtml

If the tool fits, then it's time to replace. The tool can be easily used when it's on the bike. I think it cost under $10. Or you can measure as described above.

The more you clean and relube your chain the longer it will last, the better lube you use the longer the chain will last, just like your car engine. I've know people that got as many as 8,000 miles out of chain to as few as a 1,000 miles; and the one thing they had in common was the guys who got more cleaned and relubed their chain more often then the others and did not use wax based lubes.

I use the older freewheel design that use's the older wider chains, and these chains last upwards of 15,000 miles...I clean and relube after 125 to 150 miles with Finish Line Teflon Dry (the wax lubes I found cut my chain life down by two thirds!).

I ride in the desert, pretty good weather, and I have had my current chain on for about 11 months an it has least 11,000 miles on it with no sign of chain-stretch.