It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 6:56 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 16 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 8:15 pm 
Offline
Active Participant
Active Participant
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 12:20 pm
Posts: 234
Given: 282 thanks
Received: 490 thanks
Favorite Trails: ???
Apologies in advance for asking what is a very basic but probably controversial question... when do you replace your chain?

My bike has a 1x11 Shimano XT drive train. My wife's bike has a 3x9 drive train. I have a Park Tool CC-2 chain checker (https://www.parktool.com/product/chain-checker-cc-2). I did a little maintenance today and both chains measure at 0.5%.

Question 1: At what % do you replace your chain? The internets are all over the place, starting at around 0.25% and going up to 0.75%. My chain checking tool has a label which says replace at 0.75%.

Question 2: What tool(s) do you use to check your chain? The tool I have is supposedly sensitive to how much pressure I apply which gives inaccurate results. Some people use rulers which sounds like a PITA to use. Some new chain checkers are basically solid pieces of metal which avoid this entire issue. There are also super fancy digital ones.

For my bike, my entire drivetrain isn't all that old, having put the whole thing in July. In the past, I've erred on the side of replacing too soon, but I'm not sure if I'm overdoing it. Thoughts?

_________________
I do not think it means what you think it means.


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank Inconceivable for his or her post:
Canaan, chuckanado, OldDogDan
PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 9:23 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:39 pm
Posts: 3407
Location: Ocean Beach
Given: 2423 thanks
Received: 7322 thanks
Bike(s): Revel Rail, Spur, Carver Ti,
Favorite Trails: Hmm........
I just run the whole drivetrain til it there is play in the chain, things are grinding and the whole drivetrain needs replacing. Every 18-24mos or so.

Some people measure and replace chain. Some people rotate chains every x number miles.

I don't think any of that is worth bothering with. All parts wear. The way I do it, it all wears evenly at least. Just replace it all at once. Requires minimal thought...


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 5 users would like to thank evdog for his or her post:
Canaan, chuckanado, Inconceivable, OldDogDan, rob240z
PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 10:09 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:42 pm
Posts: 3724
Location: Poway
Given: 10484 thanks
Received: 7541 thanks
Bike(s): Specialized Levo Expert
Favorite Trails: Snipers Point, Doggo DH
The tool I use has 75% and worn out. When it hits 75% and fits in easily I start looking for a deal on a chain. It's been about 3 chains to the whole drive train meaning by my third chain replacement the chain rings are worn along with the cassette. Also, a better and more improved product has hit the market by then.
All this depends on your maintenance, riding conditions, and the way you shift to name a few things.

_________________
You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank Dirtrider for his or her post:
Canaan, Inconceivable, OldDogDan
PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:03 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:56 pm
Posts: 7790
Location: Vista
Given: 23231 thanks
Received: 17287 thanks
Bike(s): Yes
Favorite Trails: crooked & winding...
When do you replace your chain? Ideally, before it breaks. Usually easy enough to repair, but occasionally there’s collateral damage, like derailleurs or shins. I do check with a ruler occasionally when I start to think it’s due, but it’s also a feel for how well you’ve cared for or abused it. If you’re asking the question, just replace it for peace of mind. Next time you find a good sale price, buy two so you’re not waiting for a deal. You should be able to go a couple chains before cog(s) & cassette.

_________________
Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank OldDogDan for his or her post:
Canaan, Dirtrider, Inconceivable
PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:03 am 
Offline
Active Participant
Active Participant

Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 7:02 pm
Posts: 245
Location: Allied Gardens, San Diego
Given: 428 thanks
Received: 314 thanks
Bike(s): SC 5010ccV1
Favorite Trails: Lake Morena, Sycamore Canyon
New chain: $30-40 bucks.
New Drive train: $400+ (Chain rings, cassette, chain & pulleys).

I have learned to $AVE a LOT of money on new drivetrains simply by replacing the chain at the .75 mark on the PARK TOOL chain checker. I'm on the 6th chain since buying my current bike in Aug 2015. I did "upgrade" the pulleys in the XT rear once. Since then I've diverted those funds saved to my search for the perfect shrimp burrito.

Ride on folks!!!


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 4 users would like to thank mtbchip for his or her post:
Canaan, chuckanado, Dirtrider, Inconceivable
PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:46 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:47 am
Posts: 2182
Given: 6166 thanks
Received: 6399 thanks
Bike(s): mango. pivot. chumba
Favorite Trails: san jaun. arizona trails
Changing the chain the sooner the better it will make your drive train last longer.
Keep one or two of the better ones to run again when the gears start to show wear.
I am lucky enough to have several bikes to get hand me down chains.

_________________
We'll ride it till they pave it. -Clyde
ImageImage


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 2 users would like to thank tfitz for his or her post:
Canaan, Inconceivable
PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 6:13 pm 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:18 pm
Posts: 886
Location: Seattle, WA
Given: 1101 thanks
Received: 1287 thanks
Bike(s): 2015 Norco Sight
Favorite Trails: Ones with no poison oak
If you don't have a chain-checker tool, here's how I like to measure a chain using a tape measure. Requires disconnecting the PowerLink (or whatever you use) and taking the chain off the bike.

Make a little hook out of coat-hanger wire and find someplace you can hang the full length of the chain so it doesn't hit the floor (like off one of the braces holding your garage door opener to the ceiling). Then use a clamp (like a small woodworkers bar clamp, a C-clamp, or similar) and lightly clamp the end of your tape measure to the chain - try to clamp it so the 1" or 2" mark is aligned with the center of one of the chain pins near the top. Let the tape measure extend down almost to the floor (hanging parallel to the chain), by engaging its clamping button and let it hang just above the floor.

The chain will be under light but constant tension due to its own weight, and you can easily scan down the tape and look at how each chain pin aligns with the corresponding inch-marks on the tape. If, after about 12", the pins are 1/8" past the inch-markers, then your chain is "stretched" about 1% and you should definitely replace it. If it's only 1/16" per foot, it's about .5% stretched and you're probably ok for a while. 3/32" per foot (or 3/16" in 2 feet, or 3/8" in 4 feet) would be about .75% stretch and I personally would go ahead and replace it then.

As mentioned before, replacing chains at or before .75% stretch will probably give the rest of your drivetrain a much longer lifespan.

But, you also have to be careful - if you let it go too long and the teeth on your cogs or chainrings get any significant wear, a brand new chain can actually make things worse - poor shifting, skipping under power, that kind of thing. If that becomes an issue, maybe you're better off to be like Evdog and buy a whole new drivetrain every year or so (I'm sure he'll loan you the $$).


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 4 users would like to thank chuckanado for his or her post:
Dirtrider, Inconceivable, Kimba, Ray Dolor
PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:05 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:56 pm
Posts: 7790
Location: Vista
Given: 23231 thanks
Received: 17287 thanks
Bike(s): Yes
Favorite Trails: crooked & winding...
Lots of ways, huh? A wood or metal 18” ruler is pretty easy to use. With wheels on the ground, push down on pedal with right hand to tension chain, & slide the ruler alongside with left. I think 1/16” in 12 is time to replace. Also, on the loose bottom run, grab with both hands and flex sideways. Gotta start trying that with a new chain to get a feel for it —side play is easier to check off the bike though. Hold it out straight and then let gravity arc it. Try an old and new to see the big difference.

_________________
Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank OldDogDan for his or her post:
Dirtrider, Inconceivable, Kimba
PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 7:50 am 
Offline
Active Participant
Active Participant
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 12:20 pm
Posts: 234
Given: 282 thanks
Received: 490 thanks
Favorite Trails: ???
Thanks for all the great responses. I think I prefer mtbchip and tfitz's strategies of replacing sooner rather than later. It's not just the relative cost of the chain vs. drivetrain... it's also a whole lot faster to change your chain compared to the entire drive train (although I suppose that creates a good opportunity to clean everything out).

I've been meaning to use my chain checker on a brand new chain just to see what my starting point is. I'm sure I'll remember next time.... right? :roll:

_________________
I do not think it means what you think it means.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 9:12 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:42 pm
Posts: 3724
Location: Poway
Given: 10484 thanks
Received: 7541 thanks
Bike(s): Specialized Levo Expert
Favorite Trails: Snipers Point, Doggo DH
Last week I checked my chain and it was a very loose 75% or more so I replaced it Saturday afternoon.
On Sundays ride the shifting wasn't totally correct so I tossed the bike up on the stand to adjust the cable.
In checking the cable at the RD, it was frayed with about half the cable broken so I replaced it.
Just an FYI: Check your cables every once and a while :thumbsup: (before they break on a ride)

_________________
You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:49 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 10, 2011 6:37 pm
Posts: 2577
Location: Past. Future. Present.
Given: 9032 thanks
Received: 5482 thanks
Bike(s): Enduro Trophy Truck
Favorite Trails: I'll know it when I find it.
Not to get too far off topic, but I always carry a spare shift cable in my pack. It's saved my bacon, or those I'm riding with multiple times.

_________________
_______________________________
Image

"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020


Top
 Profile  
 
The following user would like to thank avidtest for his or her post:
Dirtrider
PostPosted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 9:13 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:42 pm
Posts: 3724
Location: Poway
Given: 10484 thanks
Received: 7541 thanks
Bike(s): Specialized Levo Expert
Favorite Trails: Snipers Point, Doggo DH
avidtest wrote:
Not to get too far off topic, but I always carry a spare shift cable in my pack. It's saved my bacon, or those I'm riding with multiple times.



+1
My first group ride with the guys in the OC had someone break a cable 20 mins in. Pulled it out of the pack and in less than 10 mins we were back on the trail. Light, inexpensive, and saves the day.

_________________
You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 8:58 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 10:18 pm
Posts: 5442
Given: 14906 thanks
Received: 5738 thanks
Bike(s): Marin Rift Zone 3; Budget SS
Favorite Trails: Cuyamaca; Fanita Ranch
You're supposed to replace your chain...?

_________________
A bicycle is a splendid thing.
~Ernest Hemingway


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 4 users would like to thank Canaan for his or her post:
Big Clyde, Dirtrider, Kimba, mtbchip
PostPosted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 9:55 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:42 pm
Posts: 3724
Location: Poway
Given: 10484 thanks
Received: 7541 thanks
Bike(s): Specialized Levo Expert
Favorite Trails: Snipers Point, Doggo DH
Canaan wrote:
You're supposed to replace your chain...?


Sir Missing Trails
it took you 7 years to go tubeless and you still have a flip phone so a worn chain doesn't surprise me at all.
:hello:

_________________
You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti
"Go ride your bike today, don't let the old man in.."

Mike


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank Dirtrider for his or her post:
avidtest, Big Clyde, Canaan
PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 7:20 pm 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 10:18 pm
Posts: 5442
Given: 14906 thanks
Received: 5738 thanks
Bike(s): Marin Rift Zone 3; Budget SS
Favorite Trails: Cuyamaca; Fanita Ranch
Dirtrider wrote:
Canaan wrote:
You're supposed to replace your chain...?


Sir Missing Trails
it took you 7 years to go tubeless and you still have a flip phone so a worn chain doesn't surprise me at all.
:hello:


Hey, I resemble that comment....

_________________
A bicycle is a splendid thing.
~Ernest Hemingway


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank Canaan for his or her post:
Big Clyde, Dirtrider, OldDogDan
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 16 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 30 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group