This may seem like a dumb question, but how much should one spend on a chain? Also what chain to get? I have a triple with 8 speeds. thanks in advance,

Chains are considered a 'wear-out item', not meant to last a long time, so more expensive chains are more about small weight savings and bling than they are about anything else.

For 8-speed, you can get a chain for less than $10 @ a big-box store like Wal-Mart, but they're not the greatest. They tend to be little better than the worn-out chain you're replacing.

$15-$20 is good for an 8-speed chain. Heck, I spend just a hair more than that for my 9-speed!

About 20 bucks. You need to get a chain made for a 5-8 rear cluster.

Chains can vary greatly in price/quality.
For commuting dont's spend a lot of $$.
KMC puts out some good 7/8 speed chains at a fairly decent price as does SRAM and Shimano.
No such thing as a dumb question!

Here's just one vendor's selections of 8-speed chains to give you an idea of the pricing.

Just paid $22 minus 10% for a SRAM PC850.

Perfect, thanks for the responses. I was thinking about $20 but did not know if chains were one of those things you get what you pay for. For what its worth the only reason I am changing mine is because it has not been changed since I bought the bike, 700 miles ago, and I pretty sure the original owner of the bike never changed it either and it is from '98. I did the 'pull on the chain when in the biggest ring to see if it stretches' and it does. Plus it seems like I could take a link or two out and would still fit.

thanks again,

I'm on my second one of these

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ble+Chain.aspx

they work great.

One way to tell if a chain is worn is to simply use a ruler. The distance between 24 pins (12 links) should be exactly 12 inches. If it's 12 & 1/16 - the chain should be replaced. If it's 12 & 1/8, there's a good chance your cassette will need to be replaced too.

So if you do replace your chain and suddenly it starts "skipping", that's a sure sign that your cassette is worn too.

As far as replacement chains go, I like the SRAM chains with a "PowerLink" connector. A PowerLink allows you to take your chain off and put it back on without using a chain tool.

These are the chains I always buy. Local LBS stocks 'em for as low as $16.99.

The Powerlink also makes cleaning really easy (which extends the life of the chain.)

Take it off, clean it in multiple rinses of mineral spirits until it rinses clean, clean your cassette and chainrings, reinstall the chain and add 1 drop of your favourite chain lube per roller.