Which Chain should I get?

Sean1952

Hello, apologies if this is the wrong forum or the wrong type of question. I am new to this forum and not particularly knowledgeable on bicycle components.

The chain on my bike broke earlier today. The bike is about 2 1/2 years old and this is the first time I have had to replace a component. Here are the specifications I saved when I bought it.

Pinnacle Lithium 4 2013 Hybrid Bike

Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera FD-M390
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera RD-M390
Number of Gears: 27
Shifters: Shimano Acera SL-M390

Chainset: Shimano FC-M391 22-32-44T

Chainrings: 22-32-44T

Bottom Bracket: FSA Square Taper

Cassette: Shimano CS-HG30-9 11-32T

Chain: KMC nickel finish

I ride about 15 to 20 miles every second or third day along mostly quiet country roads. I occasionally ride on footpaths and tow paths but I don't do anything that could be considered serious off road. I ride for fitness and pleasure. I am retired so no commuting.

I would welcome advice on exactly what chain I should buy and the best place to buy it. I generally buy items from eBay, Amazon etc as they are usually cheaper.

I have learned enough to be able to make all the necessary adjustments and have never had cause to use my local bike shop. I prefer to do things for myself. This is now an opportunity to learn a bit more.

Thanks

dj58

If you want to replace it like for like you need a KMC X9 L silver, comes with their missing link.
http://www.kmcchain.eu/chain-KMC_X9L_Silver-road_cross-9_speed

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/gears-drivetrain-cables/kmc-x9-l-chain-116l

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/gears-drivetrain-cables/shimano-hg300-9-speed-cassette-11-32t

dodgy

By my calculations, you're riding perhaps 50 miles per week give or take? 2500 miles a year, so that chain has been on for roughly 6000 miles, which is a lot of mileage for a chain. It's highly likely that when you fit a new chain, it won't mesh with your existing cassette and possibly even your chainrings.

Ideally, you should change your change before it gets this worn, there are cheap tools to check on wear, or you can use a steel ruler (Google how to measure a chain for wear).

I reckon when you fit the new chain, it will simply ride over and slip on the cogs of the cassette. Could be time for a new cassette and possibly, chainrings. FWIW, I get roughly 2000 - 3000 miles out of a chain on a new cassette, the 2nd chain doesn't last as long as it's fitted to a slightly worn cassette.

NOTE: There are two schools of thought on this, one thinks that you just wear everything into the ground and the other says that you should measure wear and replace before it's terminal.

Your choice!

Matthewfalle

As above - the KMCs are excellent: I use them on all my bikes and have never had an issue in years and tens of thousands of miles.

About £12 at CRC gets you a decent one, simple to fit and all come with the brilliant re-usuable split link.

Also agree re the cassette advice above, but if you're running Acera something like a 105 cassette that is probably around £15 is more than enough. Front chain rings will probably be fine to tell the truth.

Sean1952

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19765670#p19765670]dodgy[/url] wrote:

By my calculations, you're riding perhaps 50 miles per week give or take? 2500 miles a year, so that chain has been on for roughly 6000 miles, which is a lot of mileage for a chain. It's highly likely that when you fit a new chain, it won't mesh with your existing cassette and possibly even your chainrings.

Ideally, you should change your change before it gets this worn, there are cheap tools to check on wear, or you can use a steel ruler (Google how to measure a chain for wear).

I reckon when you fit the new chain, it will simply ride over and slip on the cogs of the cassette. Could be time for a new cassette and possibly, chainrings. FWIW, I get roughly 2000 - 3000 miles out of a chain on a new cassette, the 2nd chain doesn't last as long as it's fitted to a slightly worn cassette.

NOTE: There are two schools of thought on this, one thinks that you just wear everything into the ground and the other says that you should measure wear and replace before it's terminal.

Your choice!

Thanks Dodgy.

I have only been doing that mileage on the Pinnacle bike fairly recently. I took up cycling again aged 61 in 2013. I have a second bike, a Boardman Hybrid, which I also use. I tend to mostly use the Boardman in summer and sunshine and mostly use the Pinnacle in winter and wet conditions.

I bought the Pinnacle second hand when it was a few months old so I don't know how much use it had before I bought it but it looked very new. The previous owner only used it to cycle a few miles to work. I've probably put no more than 1,000 miles on it.

I'll google for advice on measuring and check it over in daylight.

Thanks everyone else for your suggestions. Very helpful.

wishitwasallflat

As others have said kmc ... But get a chain checker or measure with a steel rule (if your eyes can cope, mine can't so I use a park chain checker tool and replace soon [few hindered miles] after its >0.75). I get around 2-3 k miles per chain and usually change cassette after 3-4 chains, chainrings last donkeys ages with that regime.