When should I replace my bike chain?

The number most commonly agreed on for a worn chain is one percent elongation between links. In reality though, you want to replace the chain before this point. So therefore anything past 12, 1/16 inches (0.5 percent) would be the time to replace a chain.

How do I know if my chain is worn?

Pull the chain at the front of the chainring as shown. If the chain starts to lift off the top and/or the bottom of where it sits on the chainring teeth, this means that the chain is starting to wear or is worn. If your chain lifts off the ring like this, it's likely worn.

When should I replace my bike chain and cassette?

Once the chain wear is approaching 1% “stretch”, it's usually time to replace the cassette as well. Because the teeth on the cassette will have worn down to more or less match the chain wear, if a new chain is fitted to a worn cassette, it won't mesh properly and may jump or skip, especially when changing gear.

What happens if you don't change your bike chain?

Excessively worn chains may break, or skip over excessively worn gears. At some point you can wear the gears so much you can shear the teeth right off.

How long do bike chains last?

So, how long do bike chains last? In general, a good chain will last 2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3 to 4 years. Chains on mountain bikes and electric bikes will get worn out faster. Many factors can influence chain life, such as conditions, speed, weight, and stress.

When to Replace a Chain on a Bicycle

Are gold bike chains better?

Are gold bike chains better? There is no evidence that a gold chain gives you better performance or increased durability than the same chain in the standard silver/metallic finish.

Will a new bike chain make me faster?

It'll Make You Faster

For the average rider, that accounts for about 4 percent of lost power. If you're only racing to the midride coffee stop, think of it this way: You'll finish the ride fresher, having exerted less energy, if you lube the chain.

Should I replace chain and cassette together?

You should change your chain at the same time as the cassette and/or chainset. "A worn chain on a new cassette or chainrings will only accelerate the wear," says Chris McKenney.

How long does a chain and cassette last?

A properly maintained MTB chain will last more than 2000 miles while a poorly maintained chain can last less than 1000 miles. Chains for 11+ speed cassettes tend to have a shorter lifespan than chains for 10 and < 10-speed cassettes because they need to be changed after less wear.

How do I test my bike chain?

Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12″ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16″ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.

How much does a bike chain cost?

A bike chain costs anywhere from $10 to $90 depending on the brand, quality, and type of bike you're buying it for. Basic, cheaper bikes that need a simple chain will be closer to $10. Higher quality chains that are durable and made for top notch road bikes will cost $60 to $90.

Do bike chains stretch?

Chain wear is commonly referred to as 'chain stretch', because the chain's pitch grows in length as it wears. This is the most important type of chain wear, and the growth comes from the bushings wearing with the chain pins. Overtime, the inner diameter of these bushings increase and the pins groove out.

Are expensive bike chains worth it?

No. The only advantage of expensive chains within a specific brand is the minor reduction in weight. The ones with extra plating do look nicer and provide some corrosion resistance, but it takes almost no effort to keep your chain rust free.

Are bike chains worth upgrading?

When it comes to maintaining a smooth and efficient drivetrain, checking your bike's chain is the most important place to start. Help prevent additional wear and tear on your drivetrain by replacing your chain regularly and consider upgrading to a Shimano SIL-TEC chain for improved performance.

What is the best brand of bike chain?

What is the strongest bike chain?

The New York Noose is a 12mm six-sided chain made with 3T hardened manganese steel and is designed to put up a fight. It weighs 3.15kg, so it's on the heavy side, but can still be used on the move. This makes the 1275 Noose the strongest portable bike chain.

Does bike chain Quality Matter?

Conclusion. Chain quality matters for the shifting and pedaling performance, more importantly high-end chains can extend the lifespan of the drivetrain components like the rear derailleur and cassette.

Why are bike chains so expensive?

The main influences are the brand and quality of your chainring and rear cassette, not the chain. You need to ensure your chain is well maintained and not worn to make the most of the best drivetrains on the market. Buying an expensive chain will not improve shifting efficiency.

How often should I lube my bike chain?

If you are a regular bike commuter you should lube your bike chain at least every month or every 150-200 miles (240-320 kms). Depending on the conditions you ride your bike in and the type of chain lube you use, this period can vary from a few days to a month.

When I pedal hard my chain slips?

These include worn out or misaligned derailleur pulleys, old or malfunctioning shifters throwing off the indexing in some gears, or broken/bent teeth on one or more cassette cogs. Build up of dirt and grime on drivetrain components will also cause shifting issues, including skipping chains.

Why does my bike chain keep clicking?

A clicking noise often comes from your chain wanting to jump up or down a gear on the rear cassette. This can typically be fixed by adjusting the tension of the cable that runs from your shifter to your rear derailleur.

Is it OK to use wd40 on bike chain?

WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free. It also minimizes the accumulation of dirt which reduces the wear and tear of the chain.

How do I keep my bike chain from rusting?

Lubricate the Chain

Lubricant acts as a barrier between the bike's chain and the exterior elements (including moisture). Therefore, you should get into the habit of applying a high-grade lubricant to your chain regularly. As long as there's a layer of lubricant over the chain, it shouldn't rust.

Are all bike chains the same?

Chains can vary in side plate shape, sizing, and height. Differences can cause variations in shifting performance between brands and models. Additionally, chains will vary in the quality of steel used. Better chains that are more durable and longer lasting tend to have harder rivets.