Even with regular maintenance & lubrication most bicycle chains need to replaced about every 1500 miles, however
mountain bikes need bike chain replacement more often due to mud, dirt and other debris speeding up wear
.
How do I know if my bike chain needs replacing?
If the chain starts to lift off the top and/or the bottom of where it sits on the chainring teeth
, this means that the chain is starting to wear or is worn. If your chain lifts off the ring like this, it’s likely worn.
How long do bike chains last?
So, how long do bike chains last? In general, a good chain will last
2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3 to 4 years
. Chains on mountain bikes and electric bikes will get worn out faster. Many factors can influence chain life, such as conditions, speed, weight, and stress.
How long should my mountain bike chain be?
Shift the bike into the largest chainring and rear cog. The chain should be
long enough to make this shift with two slight bends at each pulley of the rear derailleur
.
How much does it cost to get a bike chain replaced?
How much does a bike chain cost to replace?
Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more
. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear.
How do I check my mountain bike chain?
Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by
measuring it with a ruler
. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12′′ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16′′ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.
How often should I lube my bike chain?
Bicycle Tutor recommends cleaning and lubricating your bike’s drive chain
at least once every month
to maintain optimal performance and protection. The chain and drivetrain are typically the dirtiest parts of your bike, and this dirt is bad news for bike longevity and performance.
How do I know if my chain is worn?
How can I make my bike chain last longer?
Clean your bike’s chain regularly
to extend its life. Use a rag and a mild degreaser to clean it, then wash it off. Wipe the chain and allow it to dry completely before lubricating it. Applying a lubricant to a wet chain will trap moisture and will accelerate corrosion.
Can I use WD40 on my bike chain?
Yes. You can use WD40’s 3-IN-ONE oil as a chain lubricant
, as it will provide your bicycle chain with adequate friction performance and protection against wear. The 3-IN-One Multipurpose Oil was created in 1894, for use on bicycle chains, and the formula was bought by the WD-40 Company in 1995.
Does chain length affect shifting?
Chains come in many different types, configurations and widths. There are also myriad crank and derailleur combinations, so sizing the chain to the correct length is extremely important for drivetrain longevity and shifting performance.
If you install a chain too short or too long, you can affect performance
.
How many links should my MTB chain have?
A new bicycle chain usually comes with
116 links
. This is long enough for the biggest chainrings and for most distances of rear wheel from front chainrings. So for optimal length a new chain is usually shortened from the 116 links that come in the box.
How do I know which bike chain to buy?
When selecting a chain,
the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets
. The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced.
When should I replace my MTB cassette?
How do you replace a mountain bike chain?
Does bicycle chain make a difference?
The most noticeable difference when putting high-quality chains is the shifting performance
. The shifting is smooth as silk, even when changing gears under load, you can shift from the small to the big cogs within a seconds. Upgrading to a high-quality chain is a big boost to your drivetrain system.
How long does a chainring last?
A steady rider who stays on the big ring, keeps the drivetrain clean and doesn’t let the chain get too long before replacing it, and started with good quality components can get
60,000+ miles
out of a chain ring.
How do I know my bike chain size?
For measuring the length of bicycle chain size, you need to do the following:
Count the number of teeth on the biggest front sprocket and largest rear sprocket
. You can find the numbers printed on the sprockets too. Next, you need to measure the distance between the crank bolt’s rear axle and midpoint.
Is it OK to hose down your mountain bike?
So, can you use a hose on your bike?
YES!
It is true that if you leave water sitting on your bike for a long time, leave soap or degreaser on your bike, or do not properly dry off your bike before storing it, you could have some rust and wear issues on your hands.
How often should I oil my mountain bike chain?
The first rule of thumb is that you should clean and oil your bike and chain yearly. Use a wet lube and wipe the chain down after every ride to help prolong the chain lubes life. Clean the chain and reapply lube
every 100-200 miles
.
How do you lubricate a mountain bike chain?
How long should a chain and cassette last?
Very Roughly:
bike cassette can last between 4000 to 6000 miles, and some can last up to 10,000 miles, an equivalent of 3 to 4 chains
, it depends on the quality of the cassette itself, maintenance, and riding conditions.
