Chain stretch

oldskoolkool
oldskoolkool Posts: 86
edited January 2008 in Workshop
What length should a 10spd chain be over a fixed number of links such as 10?I want to check my chain for wear without buying a tool to check it.

Comments

  • John C.
    John C. Posts: 2,113
    Don't know the length, But get a chain checker, the difference over 10 links is so small you'll have problems measuring it. The amount you are spending on 10 speed chains and cassetts 8-10 pounds on a proper chain checker isn't worth arguing about. It's such an easy tool to use I use mine a lot over winter and as soon as a chain is slightly stretched I change it. Sorry if that wasn't what you wanted to hear.
    http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

    Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
    Hills are just a matter of pace
  • oldskoolkool
    oldskoolkool Posts: 86
    Thats no problem it was just to see if it was ok to measure n save me going out n buying one,it was a patience issue lol
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    You can push 10" of chain up to 10 1/10th" but it is better to change it before that. Any more and the cassette is done for. Tension the chain with the crank before you measure it.
    My Fleet.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    You can quite easily measure stretch with a ruler. Personally I normally measure 12 double links, which should be 12". I replace at 12 1/16", which is 0.5% worn - it's quite easy to see that on a ruler. I'd suggest that 1/10" over 10 double links is too worn - that's 1%, and you will surely trash your cassette if you let it get that worn.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    Aracer. I did say that was maximum but I have got away with that on my MTB. 0.5% wear is a good safe bet and is what I try to use but do push it a bit sometimes. I have only had chain slip once in the last 10 years but that bedded in after 20 miles in Kielder Forrest. I find the front mech and seat stays get in the way when measuring 12" on a road bike so use 10". Just what you find easiest really.
    My Fleet.
  • oldskoolkool
    oldskoolkool Posts: 86
    Cheers guys i thought there was a rough measurement for chain length which corresponded to a std unit of measurement.Im getting back into riding after packing up years ago n i had it in my head there was a way i used to check my chain,just couldn't remember specifics.
    I used to change my chain really regularly to protect my chainrings when i had a corsa record chainset back at the start of the 90's.

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