How long should chain rings last?

gattocattivo

I did about 3,500 miles on my original chain rings (on the bike I use for racing / training from March to October), then my chain got wrecked and I was told it would be better to replace the chainrings and cassette as well as the chain, rather than just getting a new train.

I then did about 1,600 miles then that chain snapped. This time I just got the chain replaced.

I then did about 1,500 miles. Then I started having problems with the front mech. Initially I was finding it harder to change up from the small ring to the big ring (especially when racing and so putting a lot of pressure on the pedals). Then the chain kept falling off when I changed down from the big to the small ring. I tried adjusting the tension and the limiters, but just made things worse. I took the bike to a shop today to get it sorted out and they said the chain rings were looking quite worn (these ones have done about 3,100 miles now).

Is it time to get them changed? It's quite expensive, so I don't really want to change them more often than necessary.

ChrisSA

What do they look like? Do they all look like a sharkfin profile (apart from the shifting teeth)?

gattocattivo

I don't know - the bike's in the shop

Pennine Daz

I know it may seem odd but Have you ever checked your levers.

I had similair problems and was convinced the chainrings was worn. Chorus done thousands of miles on them.

Problem turned out to be left lever not holding tension on the cable. You would tighten it then 3 or 4 shifts later hey presto it would throw the chain.
The more i tried the worse it got.

I peeled back the hood and you could see the lever slipping.

A long shot but it might be that.
One sympton was the chain virtually snagging as it changed chainrings

Good luck