"Arthur Harris" <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> "kziegel" wrote:
> > I have seen it written here that one should replace the chain when
> > replacing the cassette, for reasons related to wear. I had done this
> > when replacing my cassette recently, but wondered if I should also
> > replace the chainrings for the same reasons. Any insights?
>
> There's no reason to replace the cassette every time you replace a chain.
> And certainly no reason to replace chainrings that often.
>
> Measure your chain when you have about 2500 miles on it. When a 12-inch
> section (12 full links) "stretches" to 12-1/16 inches, replace it. If you
> replace your chain before it becomes overly "stretched," your cassette will
> last longer. A cassette should outlast several chains.
>
> A decent chainring should last even longer. A chainring is worn when the
> teeth show pronounced hooking.
You flipped around his comment; he (correctly) stated one should
replace the chain when replacing cassettes, not replacing cassettes
when replacing chains.
Your advice about checking wear to determine wear before replacing a
chain is good, but depending on riding type and other factors if one
waits until 2500 miles they may have worn out chainrings and cassettes
by riding for quite a bit on a 'overly stretched' chain. Around here,
with lots of hills, most folks get only 1000-2000 miles, tops, on a
chain. Personally, I tend to get 1200-1800 miles, so I check every
time I clean my chain. Takes 30 seconds or so. Lest anyone jump on
the '9 speed chains wear faster' nonsense, the chains on my 6 speed
bikes wear just as fast as the 9 speed chains. I have noticed no
difference in longevity between SRAM, Shimano, and Wippermann branded
chains.
- rick