How Much Mileage Do You Get On A Bike Chain?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every

2,000 to 3,000 miles

, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

How many miles can you get out of a road bike chain?

Expect

between 1,500 and 3,000 miles

from a 10-speed chain. It helps to establish what counts as ‘worn out’. A chain is worn enough to affect transmission efficiency when it lengthens by 0.75% but has some life left if extended mileage is the aim, in which case it should ideally be replaced when it lengthens by 1%.

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 know if I need a new bike chain?

How many miles is Ultegra chain?

Varies widely depending on riding habits, environment and maintenance. But if all these conditions are average, a 10-speed chain should last

around 3,000 miles

, with the cassette also ready for replacement at the time you install the third chain.

How many chains does a cassette last?

My rule of thumb is to replace it at 75 per cent wear (as measured with a chain-wear indicator). If you stick with this guideline, your cassette and chainrings will last a lot longer. A cassette, in most cases, can last for approximately

two to three

chain replacements if they are done at the right time.

How long should my bicycle chain be?

Is replacing a bike chain easy?

Are all bicycle chains the same?

Are all bicycle chains the same size?

No, all bicycle chains are not the same size

. Size varies on the bike’s numbers of sprockets, speeds, the distance between the front chainring and rear cogs, and the number of teeth on them.

How long will a bike last?

You should expect

at least 4-5 years

, but it’s just not that simple. Frames and forks may last a lifetime, but some components only withstand 6-12 months of daily use. It depends on quality, conditions, maintenance, and the individual rider.

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 what chain to buy for my bike?

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.

How many links should a bike 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 long does a Shimano chain last?

Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every

2,000 to 3,000 miles

, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

How long should a crankset 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 long do Shimano 11 speed chains last?

Chain life is one of those things that seems to vary wildly depending on conditions of rider size and loading, cleanliness and other variables including chain quality. I expect

at least 3k miles

from Shimano Ultegra 11s chain, and it’s very hilly here.

Do bike cassettes wear out?

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.

How much does it cost to replace chain and cassette?

It cost anything

between $20 and $150

to replace a bike cassette, depending on size and brand. There are a few high-end cassettes, nonetheless, that cost as much as $300 or more. Note that you’ll need to factor in the labor cost and the chain cost (if it’s worn out), each averaging $20.

How long do MTB cassettes last?

Usually, an MTB cassette lasts

between 3 to 5 chain changes

if it’s properly maintained and the chain is changed in time but if you change the chain long after the recommended percentage you may need to change the cassette after the second time you change the chain.

What happens if bike chain is too long?

A chain that’s too long (loose) may cause

dropped chains and/or inconsistent shifting — front and back shifting

. A chain that’s too short (tight) can cause even bigger problems. Hopefully the bike just won’t shift into the largest cog or to the big ring …

How do I know my chain size?

  1. The distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin, also known as the “pitch” of the roller chain.
  2. The diameter and width of the roller.
  3. Plate thickness, determined by measuring the plates from one flat side to another.

Are bike chains universal?


No. Not all makes and models of bike chains fit on all bikes

. Most modern bike chains are made to the one-half inch pitch, but this dosn’t mean all chains fit all bikes. In order to be as effective as possible, a chain must be suited to the type of bicycle being ridden.

What can I do with an old bike chain?

How to Recycle Bike Chains. The most popular fate for bicycle chains is to

repurpose them with arts and crafts projects, or to donate them to someone who will

. Alternatively, some local bicycle shops will take these off your hands in an attempt to recycle them.

What number is a bicycle chain?

Bicycle Chains are generally categorized into two types:

1/2 × 1/8 and 1/2 × 3/32

. The first number (1/2) is the chain pitch; the latter numbers (1/8 and 3/32, respectively) indicate the inner width in inches.

How do you take off a bike chain without a chain tool?
  1. Put the chain across two wood blocks or any other solid supports to form a bridge-like pattern.
  2. Take the punching tool and put it on one of the chain’s rivets.
  3. Then take a hammer and use it to push out the rivet.
  4. That’ll separate your chain to allow you to remove it easily.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.