General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Do I need a new cassette and chain? Rss Feed  
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2012-03-31 8:34 AM

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Subject: Do I need a new cassette and chain?
I bought a Specialized Transition Comp this time last year.  Technically, it was the first week of April that I bought it but close enough.  I've done about 5500 miles on it since then on the original chain and cassette.  Just wondering if it's time to replace?


2012-03-31 8:36 AM
in reply to: #4122049

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?
If it aint broke don't fix it is my personal policy, as long as you take care of it, it should be fine
2012-03-31 8:53 AM
in reply to: #4122049

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?
How often are you  supposed to  change them anyway?  I bike about 130-140 miles/week.
2012-03-31 9:25 AM
in reply to: #4122065

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?
You either replace your chain before it's worn and requires a new cassette, or you ride them till they stop shifting and replace both (and probably the chain rings), because a new chain will not work with a worn cassette.

Forking out for all new drive train bits is a good chunk of change so many people would rather have a smaller cost, and replace just the chain more often. Which way is more cost effective is up for debate. If I go with the replacing the chain before it's worn, I need to do it 2x a year. I can go 3-4 years if I just ride and plan on replacing everything when they are worn out. For me, it's cheaper to replace everything every 3-4 years than to go through 6-8 chains in that time frame.

At this point you would almost certainly be looking at having to replace both the chain and cassette, so if they aren't causing problems I would keep riding them.
2012-03-31 10:10 AM
in reply to: #4122049

Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?

Your chain will wear out before the cogs/chainring(s). If you continue to use a worn chain, the other parts will deteriorate more rapidly. Since a chain is one of the cheaper parts of the drivetrain, it would serve you well to maintain it & check for wear.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/technical-tuesday-chain-wear-2010.html



Edited by MechengPhoenix 2012-03-31 10:13 AM
2012-03-31 11:28 AM
in reply to: #4122049

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?

Agree you probably need to replace your chain.   You can measure it or get a tool to measure it to be sure, but at your mileage it's probably time.

If you take good care of your drivetrain you can typically keep a cassette for the life of 3-4 chains.



2012-03-31 11:48 AM
in reply to: #4122049

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?

Sheldon Brown tells you everything you ever wanted to know about chains...and then tells a little bit more!

http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

2012-03-31 12:15 PM
in reply to: #4122049

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?
Most likely just need a new chain.  Along with wearing on your cassette a worn chain also will damage the forward chain rings (and I am assuming the gears on the rear deraileur).  IMHO a new chain every year is a lot cheaper than replacing everything.
2012-03-31 4:02 PM
in reply to: #4122049

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Subject: RE: Do I need a new cassette and chain?

I waited too long and now have to replace everything.  Should have changed the chain a while ago.  The LBS said just keep riding now until it starts to act up.

enjoy,

Duane

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Do I need a new cassette and chain? Rss Feed