How long should a chain last ? and how can you really tell when it's time to change it ?<br /><br />The bad weather finally killed off my bottom bracket which I duly changed today, but in the process noticed the chain was loose and I remember seeing a picture where it showed if you can pull the chain off the large cog then it's time to change to chain. (I wish I could find that picture).<br /><br />The thing is working fine, but does there get a point where it will start causing damage to other parts of the bike, so is it beneficial to change the bloody thing.<br /><br />Another point is now that winter has arrived is it worth changing, because the new chain will get hammered by the bad weather and I suppose drastically shorten it's life.<br /><br />I should point out that I'm talking about my Mtb.<br /><br />Any input would be gratefully recieved.<br /><br />I just realised that I should have posted this in the Mtb section sorry. steve would you mind moving it :-[