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2013-01-29 2:14 PM

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Subject: noob bike question
I took my bike in (p2) for a good washing and mechanical fix up yesterday.  The mechanic said everything looked good except my chain needed replaced.  He said "it was at 100%" and was in desperate need of being replaced.  What does he mean when he says it is at 100% (I am assuming this is the wear) and how can I check that on my own so I know when it needs to be replaced in the future?


2013-01-29 3:12 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question
Chain stretch is like 1/8 of an inch measured over 12 inches pin to pin. you can use a
ruler or park tools sells a checker. It is a good thing to keep up on as if you wait
too long a new chain will skip on you rings and cass! Not good then you need to replace
all of it. John.
2013-01-29 3:19 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question
Seems odd to me that the chain would be at 100% stretch/wear but the rest of the drive train was ok.
2013-01-29 3:37 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question

He probably meant it was at 1%. Or 101%,  Not 100%.

That means that 12 links measured 12 1/4 inches.  (= 12.125 inches = 1%).  A new chain measures 12 inches for 12 links. 

If that's really true, it is time to change the chain.

How many miles on the current chain??  Typical 10 speed chains get about 3000 miles.

You can get a metal ruler or a fancy "chain checker" device to measure this yourself.



Edited by datlas 2013-01-29 3:38 PM
2013-01-29 3:40 PM
in reply to: #4600156

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Subject: RE: noob bike question

mrbbrad - 2013-01-29 3:19 PM Seems odd to me that the chain would be at 100% stretch/wear but the rest of the drive train was ok.

Not odd.  If chain is stretched 1% it's time to change it but it probably still shifts ok.

If you change the chain when worn you should get 3-4 cassettes per chain.

2013-01-29 4:45 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question
I waited too long (about 4,500 miles) and had to replace the cassette, too.  Learned my lesson (it was still shifting OK).


2013-01-29 5:30 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question

I've been replacing my chain about every 1500 miles or so to be on the conservative/safe side of things. After polling a few of the LBS around, most agreed that sticking with a good, middle of the road chain, like the Ultegra, was the way to go.

So far, so good for me.

2013-01-29 5:39 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question
If you take care of your chain and lube it every few hundred miles, you should get roughly 3000 miles per chain. You can change it earlier but that's just away money IMO.
2013-01-30 3:02 PM
in reply to: #4600142

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Subject: RE: noob bike question

jrm - 2013-01-29 3:12 PM Chain stretch is like 1/8 of an inch measured over 12 inches pin to pin. you can use a ruler or park tools sells a checker. It is a good thing to keep up on as if you wait too long a new chain will skip on you rings and cass! Not good then you need to replace all of it. John.

 

This says it all. Chain maintenance is often neglected and can lead to other problems (and even slowing down). Oil change = 3000 miles, chain change = 3000 miles...until they come out with a synthetic...

2013-01-30 4:39 PM
in reply to: #4599989

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Subject: RE: noob bike question

not only will a worn chain ruin the drivetrain, it can snap too.

good idea to carry a quick link with you just in case.

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