How can I tell if the chain on my bike needs replacement?

Question

The place I bought it at just told me that I should replace my chain soon when I brought it in for a 60 day tune-up. As you could guess, I bought the bike not to long ago, and since then I've put around 200 miles on it. Everywhere I've found online suggests replacing your chain ever 200 miles, so changing it already seems premature. But that he told me it is getting bad has me a bit paranoid: Is something I'm doing putting unnecessary stress on it? Is something wrong with my cassette already that has him worried? Or is _he_ the one being paranoid?

I maintain my bike pretty well and I'm _pretty_ knowledgeable. But in the simplest terms, how do I know when my chain is getting bad?

Typo: When I said most places suggest changing the chain every 200 miles, I really meant 2000. That's a huge difference.

Answer 1

Assuming you don"t have a chain gauge (not many do).

When a chain is new it will measure 12 inches over 12 full links (12 large links + 12 small links). When you measure 12inches + 1/16 it is time to get a new chain.

If you want to get more life out of it hang it over a nail in your shed. When you are out to about chain five the cassette and chain ring will be worn. You can then put reuse your old 12 & 1/16 chains until they gets out to 12 & 1/8 (then throw away)

200 miles is quite a short life for a chain. If it is poor quality, gets wet and covered in dirt on a regular basis and then cleaned with a pressure cleaner this can happen.

A good quality, well lubed chain that is keeped clean can last well over 2000 miles on a road bike. Mountain bikes chains don't last as long (mainly because of dirt). Riding style will also affect chain life. Low cadence pedal jumping or mashing tends to ware chains quickly.

Answer 2

Are you serious? They actually said this at a 60 day tune up? I've never heard of such a thing! Yes, a bike ridden on the road and taken care of - chain lubed and kept clean - 2000 miles easy... possibly much more if you don't ride hard. If you mountain bike, road race etc sooner.

You can't really tell unless you get a chain stretch gage or measure it. But that's not really needed. I've biked for decades and replace at about 2000 miles and I ride hard.

EDIT: some answers here said the chain lasts as long as the bike - that maybe true in a bike ridden occasionally. They will last 20 years but the mileage will be low. Also, I wouldn't wait until there is a problem, replace before that. Again the 2000 mile rule is safe for a non-racer. If that takes you 5 years fine, if it's 1 year then replace yearly.

Answer 3

The most common things that can cause symptoms like this are, 1) Derailleur out of adjustment. 2) Worn out parts. 3) The "pawls" in the hub are broken or hanging up. By your description, you did not say you heard the chain slip or ratchet so most likely #3 is the problem, 120 mile even if neglected is not enough time to wear out a chain or cassette (you didn't say how many miles are on the cassette.) out unless you are riding in heavy mud all the time. If the parts were worn out anytime you put a load on the chain (ie. climbing or pedaling standing) the chain will slip and a you will hear the ratcheting sound from the chain. If the derailleur is out of adjustment you would get the same ratcheting noise but the chain will be jumping from one gear to the next. Now to the 11/32 question, 11-32 refers to the tooth count of the smallest (11) and largest (32) gears on the cassette.

Answer 4

Replace the chain when it has stretched. You can check for stretch with a Park or ProGold Chain Gauge. Either find a friend who has one or buy it yourself.

The metal links in the chain don't actually stretch. The bearing surfaces wear down, allowing the pins to move outward. That's what actually lengthens the chain.

Using a stretched chain will cause excessive wear on your chainrings and cogs which are much more expensive to replace than a chain. 2000 miles is a good guideline.

Answer 5

After your edit the distance makes more sense. Still are you saying you put on 2000 miles in 60 days? Congratulations. I wish I had the time to ride 35 miles a day. I would get the chain gauge on that chain before replacing it. 2000 miles is a good time to check it. Why replace it without checking it on a gauge first? Are you having any noises or problems? Good preventive maintenance is one thing, but confirm the chain is stretched before replacing it. If you ride that much, buy yourself a chain gauge and learn how to use it.

Answer 6

ttp://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html is the article you need to read.

Lots of detailed information. (Big article- speed read it first for things about detecting problems, and skip how they are made)

After reading the article, you will know most everything you need to know.

Then ask your shop why you need to replace your chain, and show you the difference between your chain and a good one.

However, if you are riding a cheap bike and the chain is only marginally worn , you might be better off to just get a new cheap bike and take care of its chain.

IF you do replace it, (my shop replaces chains for $20, parts and labor) be sure to get good chain lube and use it regularly. And dont get the same kind of chain that wore out fast- some chains do wear out too fast.

Answer 7

Most of the answers are great but one more thought. Never ride with the chain crossed over all the way. If you are in the big ring in the front do not ride on the big ring (lowest gear) in the rear and visa versa. This is especially important when you have 3 rings in front and 7 to 9 in the rear like most commuters and mountain bikes.

Answer 8

every 200 miles sounds like a lot--but it all depends. if you clean and lube your chain often, it can last quite a long time. ride it covered with so much dirt and girt that it's furry--it'll wear out early. chain maintenance is a good habit to form.

chains are cheap. relatively. replacing your chain often will extend the life of your chainrings, cogs, cassettes, or freewheels, because the two "parts" wear together. a new chain 1-3 times a year will give you a lot more time with a given gear set. i replace my chains twice a year on a given bike, and i ride a fair amount, but i also take care to maintain it.

how do you know it's time to replace? a few indicators: lots of play side to side (there is a tool to check this), poor shifting performance (but everything seems to be adjusted properly), noticeable lengthining (in single speeds and fixies), and the occasional "pop!" while pedalling (but not shifting). last but not least...if it breaks.

if you ride a worn chain for too long, you can't replace it--or any of your gears without replacing them all. they get so worn into one another, that the new chain won't seat on the rings properly...and this is dangerous.

when in doubt--replace it.

Answer 9

My bicycles are not very costly but chains have lasted for years and years. I would guess closer to 1000 miles. Not sure why the 200 mile replacement advice is given.

Perhaps the high end bicycle you bought has a high performance chain that tends to breakdown quicker?

Then again, perhaps the chain company is looking for revenue

Answer 10

Ive used over 10 bikes in my entire lifetime, and not one of them had to have their chain replaced. Im not sure if youre a serious biker, but chains should last you from the beginning to the end of your ownership of the bike.

The best clue would probably be rust or an increasing difficulty of pedaling.

Hope this helps.