Chain Life! - ? How long ?

It is recommended that you clean and lube chain every two weeks, or every 10 hours of riding and check chain wear every 500 miles.

Signs of a worn chain are slow and imprecise shifts, noisy operation and a rough pedaling feel-as if gravel is in the drivetrain--that can't be eliminated by lubing. It's time for a new chain.

3 WAYS TO DETECT A WORN CHAIN

Ruler. Tension the chain by pressing lightly on the right pedal. Hold a 12-inch ruler against the chain. On a fresh chain, 12 full links (from pin to pin) measure exactly 12 inches long. If 12 links measure 12 1/8 inches or more, replace the chain.

Special chain checker tool. Easy to use and impossible to misread. Can be bought from Park Tool (www.parktool.com)

Chainring test. Shift to the middle (on triple-ring bikes) or small (on double-ring bikes) ring. Hold the rear wheel stationary. Apply load to the right pedal with one hand. If the chain floats above the teeth rather than directly contacting it, it's time for a new chain (and maybe rings as well).

I use the 1500 mile rule. If you change to a new chain every 1500 miles you'll almost never need to replace your expensive cassette cogs or chainrings. Chains are cheaper (though not much) : )

Paul

Amen

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by T-Man
I use the 1500 mile rule. If you change to a new chain every 1500 miles you'll almost never need to replace your expensive cassette cogs or chainrings. Chains are cheaper (though not much) : )

Paul

I replace my ultegra chain every 2500 miles. but I'm pretty obsessive about keeping the drive train (and bike) clean and lubed.

Thanks! 🙂
I've got about 2500 miles on my chain now - after all your input I've decided to replace it!