Chain Wear - what should I do?

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

Some advice please...

My chain is worn - I've done all the checks and used a chain wear gauge - it's 1 %.

GBs are busy till next week - mechanic off from today. Should I continue to ride it until I can get it into GBs next week sometime? Or do i stop riding it althogether until I replace the chain?

Is chain replacement easy? Do you think a rank amateur like myself could cope? Will I need a new cassette?

If not is there any other reliable bike repair shop local to SE25?Croydon?

The current chain is a KMC 9X silver - it doesn't seem to have lasted particularly long. I do about 250-300 miles a month. I have had the bike (a Bianchi) from new - bought 15 months ago.

Is this amount of stretch usual? Can anyone recommend a longer lasting chain?

Thanks in anticipation

Jon C

[Will]

It's relatively simple...

Here's an article that explains what to do:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=25

It's quite long as it covers all the options!

[Andrew G]

KMC chain a doddle to switch as it has a missing link, you just pinch that bit together to release it. Crop new chain to same length as old, insert missing link. Job done . just make sure you feed it through the jockey wheels and cage properly. Happy to show you what to do if needs be.

That's a fair amount of time for a chain. Might need a new cassette as they wear with the chain. A shop will tell you you do so they can sell you a cassette. Easy way to find out is get a new chain, fit it, if it doesn't run smoothly and skips and slips on some of the sprockets then you need a new cassette so replace that to asap.

[Ivor]

Very handy to have a quick-link to change chains, but not that much harder without. you just need the appropriate pin. The new chain will have one (or two) with it.
Just measure and adjust the chain to match the existing one, line up the broken link and push the link through with your chain tool and snap the protruding end off.
You should be able to visually see if the cassette is heavily worn otherwise as Andrew says, fit the new one and see how well it runs.

[Grahame]

With 1% wear in the chain, you are going to need a new cassette.

I change my chains before they get to 0.75% wear and expect a cassette to last 3 or 4 chains. If they go over this level of wear, I expect to replace the cassette. Any more than 1% wear and you are likely to need to replace one or more of the chainrings as well.

For me, the regime works well, and usually works out as a new chain in the spring and towards the end of summer on my good bike, and in Autumn and towards the end of winter on my winter bike.

[-Adam-]

The cassette I'm on currently is 3 years and many many thousand miles old, still works a treat. Has seen 3 chains on it so far...

[Andrew G]

Can depend on the quality of cassette too, a Ti one will last and last and last, oh and cost a fortune. They last a lot longer if you change chains regularly, I know some people run 2 chains on their drivetrain and switch them about at intervals to avoid the chain and cassette wearing together.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

Thanks for all the help and advice. It's inspired me, I've plucked up courage and now I've removed the chain using the Topeak tool kit I've carried around for the last year (I've always wondered what that tool was for!!).

Now I've got to get a replacement chain. Do I go for a like for like i.e. KMC - 9X silver for KMC - 9X silver or do I go for a better chain. are they all compatible. I've got a 9 sprocket cassette. any recommendations and where do i get the chain. I hope to be back in the saddle for a big ride saturday.

Thanks again

Jon

[Andrew G]

Stick to KMC. The missing link is great for maintenance. I've got them on all my bikes now after they were highly recommended by both Campagnolo and Shimano users.

[Marek]

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/P ... bd01295738

Buy one off here and fit it yourself. You will need a chainbreaker to get the chain to the correct length, but it is bliming easy to do.

Cheers

Marek....

[Will]

[quote="Grahame"]With 1% wear in the chain, you are going to need a new cassette.

I change my chains before they get to 0.75% wear and expect a cassette to last 3 or 4 chains. If they go over this level of wear, I expect to replace the cassette. Any more than 1% wear and you are likely to need to replace one or more of the chainrings as well.

For me, the regime works well, and usually works out as a new chain in the spring and towards the end of summer on my good bike, and in Autumn and towards the end of winter on my winter bike.

[Sylv]

I like the KMC chains, some of the teams use them too.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

thanks, KMC it is then.

Cheers

Jon C

[Will]

Don't any of you use SRAM chains? Or are they not popular in roadie circles?

I use SRAM all the time for the simple reason that I like the convenience of being able to take them off with the powerlink.

[Elliot M]

10 speed SRAM Powerlinks are not openable, though -- I think?

I'm using a Connex which does come with a reusable powerlink thingy...