Chain Elongation

campagsarge
campagsarge Posts: 434
edited November 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
I am pretty sure this question has been asked before but my searches for the answer have come to nil, so I apologise in advance for my poor search techniques!

At what chain elongation should you change your chain? I know you can buy chain measurer's but surely a metal ruller down to 1/16th of an inch would do the job?

Should you measure over 6 or 12 inches?

Whilst I am on the subject, anyone know of the average life of a chain in terms of miles (I guess this is like the proverbial piece of string as it depends on many varibles).

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    over 12" and 1/16" max

    and yes how long is a chain :wink:

    conditions is the biggest fsctor. UK mud will wear just about anything out faster than you can afford to replace it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • campagsarge
    campagsarge Posts: 434
    Cheers Nick.

    I posted this in the MTB forum by mistake - doh! I guess the same applies for road.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    well i would have thought the chain on the road bike would last longer but......

    and a chain is a chain etc

    the length of elongation does not mind make or use. over an 1/16th and you are waiting for it to snap.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

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