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Chain needs replaced

roverthehillroverthehill Posts: 155
edited January 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi,
Bought one of those chain stretch checkers:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=10219

and it looks like I'm overdue a replacement. The current chain is imprinted with KMC, Super Narrow and Z. So i assume it's this bad boy:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=24701

I have a couple of KMC powerlinks so should prob stay with KMC.

At near 50 notes, It doesn't seem too cheap so is it worth the cash or are there other 9 speed chains that would do the business?? Apologies if this is a daft question!!!!

Also, in terms of the rear sprockets - it there a tool to measure the wear on them?

Posts

  • nicklousenicklouse Posts: 50,675 Lives Here
    any 9spd chain and same speed reusable links will be fine.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • roverthehillroverthehill Posts: 155
    cheers nick. I think I posted the wrong link. it's looks my current chain is an older one:
    http://www.bikepartsplace.com/discount/ ... 9sp-chain/
    which seems cheaper. Not sure if it's still available so I guess i can go with any 9 speed with decent reviews.
  • sniper68sniper68 Posts: 2,910
    edited January 2013
    roverthehill wrote:
    Hi,
    Also, in terms of the rear sprockets - it there a tool to measure the wear on them?
    If the chain is stretched to 0.75 the rear sprockets should be OK.If it's stretched to 1.0 then the chances are the rear cassette has worn with the chain and will need replacing.The front rings may also be shot.Depending on conditions etc generally I get 4 chains to a rear cassette if I change at 0.75.
    IMO expensive chains are a waste of money unless you're a weight-weenie or into bling :roll:
    Lynskey R480

  • nicklousenicklouse Posts: 50,675 Lives Here
    like i said ANY 9spd chain.

    buy what you want.

    cheaper and often is better.

    and if your old one was very warn expect new cassette as well.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • roverthehillroverthehill Posts: 155
    and is there anything to determine cassette wear?

    From this guide it seems visual inspection is the way to go:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/w ... ear-20788/
  • sniper68sniper68 Posts: 2,910
    roverthehill wrote:
    and is there anything to determine cassette wear?

    From this guide it seems visual inspection is the way to go:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/w ... ear-20788/
    No a cassette can look fine too the naked eye.Generally if the chain is worn to 1.0 then the cassette is worn too.
    Lynskey R480

  • freezing77freezing77 Posts: 731
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25421
  • roverthehillroverthehill Posts: 155
    cheers guys. In terms of replacing a chain. i assume I need one of those wee devices to open up the chain- are they specific to 9 speed chains or universal? The chain is greater than 1 mm so the cassette probably a gonner - doh. Are they universal too? Just use any 9 speed casette?

    it looks fairly easy to replace - but gonna need some tools :( too.
    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/w ... ets-18234/

    expensive business!
  • cooldadcooldad Posts: 32,599
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KMC-X9-73-Cyc ... 43b6cb2592

    £11 job done.

    If you need a cassette CRC have Deore for £14.99.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Blue&White RiderBlue&White Rider Posts: 27
    Sorry to jump on somone else's thread, but it seems on topic.

    If my chain has been slipping a lot (happening more and more) is it likely to need replacing? Been waiting for a chain whip to come through the post to fit another cassette, but thinking I may need new front cogs too.
  • sniper68sniper68 Posts: 2,910
    if it's slipping it's probably shot.You'll probably need a new cassette but might get away with replacing the front rings.Try a chain/cassette if still slipping then replace the front rings also.
    Lynskey R480

  • The RookieThe Rookie Posts: 27,810
    roverthehill wrote:
    The chain is greater than 1 mm
    Just to clarify, that's 1%.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • roverthehillroverthehill Posts: 155
    The Beginner wrote:
    roverthehill wrote:
    The chain is greater than 1 mm
    Just to clarify, that's 1%.

    lol thanks :)
  • Blue&White RiderBlue&White Rider Posts: 27
    ibbo68 wrote:
    if it's slipping it's probably shot.You'll probably need a new cassette but might get away with replacing the front rings.Try a chain/cassette if still slipping then replace the front rings also.

    Thanks.

    Been buying loads of bits to fix my bike, wish I'd just given it to the bike shop now :cry:

    Any advice on a standard chain, or how to identify my current one? It's a standard set up, 8 cogs on the rear cassette, 3 at the front. Thanks!
  • Chunkers1980Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    You don't need to, just buy one labelled 8 speed
  • cooldadcooldad Posts: 32,599
    Blue&White Rider wrote:
    ibbo68 wrote:
    if it's slipping it's probably shot.You'll probably need a new cassette but might get away with replacing the front rings.Try a chain/cassette if still slipping then replace the front rings also.

    Thanks.

    Been buying loads of bits to fix my bike, wish I'd just given it to the bike shop now :cry:

    Any advice on a standard chain, or how to identify my current one? It's a standard set up, 8 cogs on the rear cassette, 3 at the front. Thanks!
    They would have charged you more for the bits anyway, plus labour.
    Just find a cheap KMC 8 speed chain. CRC or Ebay. The cheaper ones are a bit heavier but last.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Blue&White RiderBlue&White Rider Posts: 27
    Cheers guys, much appreciated :)
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