How often should I renew the chain.

dazzawazza

I recently put a new chain on my commuter after the old chain had travelled 1500 miles with the thought of swapping chains to increase cassette life.
However the new chain skipped on the rear every time I powered down hard in certain gears. No amount of adjustments would remedy this.
I have since put the old chain back on and it's fine.

The original chain is an Sram PC58 and the new chain a PC870. The cassette is a Shimano HG70.
I originally ordered a PC58 on the Internet, but was sent a PC870 (replacement model). Apparently they are meant to be the same, but when comparing a couple of unused PC58 links to the PC870 they are the same dimensions but the PC58 feels much looser.

Is 1500 too much mileage for a chain if swapping over on the same cassette or do you think that the different chains have caused this problem?

Now I will probably just use the existing set-up until either the chain or cassette need replacing and then install the PC870 with a new cassette.

giant_man

I bought an HG50 cassette and like you ordered a PC58 and got a PC870 chain, must be the replacement I guess.

Haven't put it on yet but it seems good quality.

normanp

I think it is impossible to predict how long a chain will last - it depends on too many factors. The best thing is to buy a chain gauge (cheap - I like my Park Tools one) and check every few weeks. As soon as it is stretched by 0.75 replace the chain (and never let it go beyond 1.0). Yo will find that the replacement won't skip until the rear cassette is worn too much - should be a long time - then you must replace chain and cassette. If you do this you may never have to replace front cogs in the lifetime of the bike (depends again on many factors...). I like Wipperman etc chains better than Shimano's - quick link allows easy removal with no tools (ask your friendly LBS for the correct chain - and they should give you advice on fitting etc)

andy610

ive just had to have a new rear cassette chain and large front chainring ive had my bike 14 months done 2400 miles but i think ive used the large front chain ring too much instead of using the middle ring as well more, now im going to get at least 2 chains a year

bhm100

Hi,
I rotate chains on my bikes and would have thought that 1500 miles is too long. I tend to have a maintenance session at the start of each month and rotate chains then. So in the winter months the bike is probably doing 600 miles, in the summer 800 miles before changing.

Once the block starts to wear then I reckon the change point is less critical, it's just the first few miles that make a difference. I also give the chain a mid-month clean if it starts to get a bit grimy.

The most-used sprockets and chains are now looking worn but should probably see me into the spring - that's going to be 9000 miles at a guess. So monthly change-overs work for me.

giant_man

bhm100 wrote:

Hi,
I rotate chains on my bikes and would have thought that 1500 miles is too long. I tend to have a maintenance session at the start of each month and rotate chains then. So in the winter months the bike is probably doing 600 miles, in the summer 800 miles before changing.

Once the block starts to wear then I reckon the change point is less critical, it's just the first few miles that make a difference. I also give the chain a mid-month clean if it starts to get a bit grimy.

The most-used sprockets and chains are now looking worn but should probably see me into the spring - that's going to be 9000 miles at a guess. So monthly change-overs work for me.

Wow - that's quite a maintenance regime you've got going there, wish i could be as vigilant.

normanp

I get about 3000k from a chain (if I keep it and sprockets fairly clean). andy610 - I wouldn't worry about which cogs you use - just check the chain regularly with a gauge.

bhm100

Wow - that's quite a maintenance regime you've got going there, wish i could be as vigilant.

it's easy if you're retired !

Clever Pun

I've done 7000 miles on my current chain and it's still fine... :shock:

dazzawazza

Thanks for the info.
I'll continue with the old set-up for another 2000 miles or until there is obvious wear.
Then I'll change both cassette and chain.
Next time I'll swap with a new chain at about 800 miles.

kettrinboy

just cleaned the chain and sprockets on my Giant FCR2 and the cassette looks almost as new the chain still measures exactly 6 inches over 12 links so no measurable stretch and thats done 4000 miles all i do is use castrol spray on chainwax copiously during winter and give the drive train a good clean every 1000 miles

pieinthesky

I have been trying to rotate two chains on one cassette. Its not as time consuming as you think. If you use quick links It is a five minute job, I do it every time I clean the chain.

When the chains and cassette are new you have to swap them fairly regular or you will find they will slip. Even after 300 miles or so a new chain might slip. It doesnt take long to bed in however and as chains and cassettes get older the chains can be swapped less regularly.