chain wear indicators......how reliable???

LoUiS1985
LoUiS1985 Posts: 841
edited June 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi all,

I have recently purchased a chain wear indicator (PBK) so that i could see when a new chain was needed, hopefully saving other drivetrain components from un-needed wear.

I tried it on my Kona kula and apparently it was less than 1% worn, which is what i expected as i have probably done less than 500 miles on it and kept it in good nick.

Next i tried it on my Spesh Enduro and again less than 1% worn, i have done 1000+ miles on this chain so was a little suprised, but as i have kept it in good condition i gave it the benefit of the doubt.

My riding buddy then used it on his chain on his old commuter bike, the bike and chain are about 10 years old, are used regularly and not maintained as well as they probably should be. Apparently though this chain was not even 0.75% worn which i found very suprising.

That is what lead me to post this thread.

I am sure a lot of different factors come into play when talking about chain wear (chain type, maintainence, riding amount etc...etc...etc...) but was just suprised with some of the results i found

Any thoughts guys.....??

Thanks

Comments

  • -liam-
    -liam- Posts: 1,831
    Reliable I'd say. There wouldn't be a market for them otherwise.

    With regards the difference between your mtb with a fairly new chain and a commuter with a 10 year old chain, dunno about you bud, but I give my drive train hell of alot more stick that a chap pedalling his bike fairly sedately along a road. l think you have a true reflection of the state of all 3 chains if that helps.
  • LoUiS1985
    LoUiS1985 Posts: 841
    yes you may be right dude, i just felt almost certain that the old chain would be well worn. My buddy is quite a fast, hard rider, but like you say he may not thrash around going to and from work
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    how reliable is a ruler?

    you can always check it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • Steve_b77
    Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
    I'd wager ye one fine english maiden that his commuter isn't 9 speed either.

    I remember as a kid chains hardly ever wore out and I never had anythign more than a 7 speed cassette.

    On the subject of wear, my SRAM chain last 5 months and my KMC X9.93 has lasted over a year, many more miles on the KMC.

    Just think SRAM chains are poo myself
  • LoUiS1985
    LoUiS1985 Posts: 841
    yeah fair comment, i'm not sure what speed cassette it was, but don't think it was 9 speed.
    i use SRAM chains on both my bikes but will take a look at those others when i need a new one
  • elPedro666
    elPedro666 Posts: 1,060
    -Liam- wrote:
    Reliable I'd say. There wouldn't be a market for them otherwise.

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  • LoUiS1985 wrote:
    yeah fair comment, i'm not sure what speed cassette it was, but don't think it was 9 speed.
    i use SRAM chains on both my bikes but will take a look at those others when i need a new one


    Hi,

    For the chain checker, I know that KMC has one digital chain checker, which has a gigger LCD screen with number reading. I think that it is cool, since there is no one like that in the market. It should be user friendly, easy to use and read(indicate. Wait for its release in the market very soon. You could try.

    Bike Forever
  • Steve_b77 wrote:
    I'd wager ye one fine english maiden that his commuter isn't 9 speed either.

    I remember as a kid chains hardly ever wore out and I never had anythign more than a 7 speed cassette.

    On the subject of wear, my SRAM chain last 5 months and my KMC X9.93 has lasted over a year, many more miles on the KMC.

    Just think SRAM chains are poo myself

    Hi Steve,

    I also agree wiith you. Personally, I think KMC Chain is more durable. I know that for 9 speed, KMC also has X9SL, which is the lightest chain in the market. I have been trying it a while, smooth and quiet shifting. Durability is good. No complaint now.

    Bike Forever
  • fcumok
    fcumok Posts: 283
    Steve_b77 wrote:
    I'd wager ye one fine english maiden that his commuter isn't 9 speed either.

    I remember as a kid chains hardly ever wore out and I never had anythign more than a 7 speed cassette.

    On the subject of wear, my SRAM chain last 5 months and my KMC X9.93 has lasted over a year, many more miles on the KMC.

    Just think SRAM chains are poo myself

    Hi Steve,

    I also agree wiith you. Personally, I think KMC Chain is more durable. I know that for 9 speed, KMC also has X9SL, which is the lightest chain in the market. I have been trying it a while, smooth and quiet shifting. Durability is good. No complaint now.

    Bike Forever

    KMC all the way. My bike came with a Shimano chain and lasted about 300 miles. Compare this to the KMC chain on my other bike which is long past that and seems to have no stretch in it at all. Madness really as they're both made by the same manufacturer.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    It is the people using chain checkers that aren't reliable unfortunately.

    Ruler for me. Then again, I don't use one of those, I can just tell lol.