How Often Do You Need To Change Your Bike Chain?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike's

every 2,000 miles

.

How long does a bike chain normally 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 on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

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 long does a cassette last?

A cassette, in most cases, can last for approximately

two to three chain replacements

if they are done at the right time.

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.

How do I know what bike chain I need?


Add the multiplied chainstay length, the divided number of teeth for the chainring and rear sprocket, and add 1 (or 2.5 cm)

. The result is the ideal chain length for your bike. For example, you'd add 32.5, 13, 7 and 1 to get 53.5. The length of the chain should be 53.5 inches or 135.89 cm.

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.

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.

When should you get a new bike?


2 to 3 years

is the average time for cyclists to get a new bike. There are many reasons to motivate you to buy a new bike, some of them are real and understandable, while others are just marketing tricks and traps affecting your decision.

How much does a new bike chain cost UK?

A worn chain ultimately leads to the most common mechanical problem with bikes. You'll save money if you replace your chain before it becomes too worn. Normally, you can get through around 3 chains, before you need to replace the cassette. A new chain costs around

£12-£15

and a new cassette costs around £20.

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 do I know if my cassette needs replacing?

Should I replace cassette with chain?


The most important thing to change is the chain

. Doing so can extend the lifetime of your cassette and chainrings, which in the end will save you money.” SRAM technical expert Chris Mckenney agrees. “Chains, chainrings and cassettes all wear together,” he says.

Can a bike chain be 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.

Do all bike chains have a master link?


Not all bikes have these links

. They are most likely to be found on BMX bikes, single speed bikes or three-speed town bikes with internal gears. The more sprockets a bicycle has on its rear cassette, the narrower the chain must be and therefore the less room there is for this extra-wide master link.

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.

What chain size do I need?

If you are using a bike with a derailleur

the number of cogs on the rear hub will determine the chain size you will need

. They are always 3/32′′ chains. You can get a 5/6/7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, or 10-speed chains.

Can you reuse old bike chain?

How do I make my bike chain fidget?

Are bike chains recyclable?

Registered.

They don't really recycle them

, they just take junk and make more junk out of it. It will end up in the landfill sooner or later.

What is a lot of miles on a bicycle?

For small sports bikes, 20,000 to 30,000 is on the high side. For larger bikes,

50,000 miles and up

is considered high motorcycle mileage. But before you write off any models, consider that a properly maintained bike can last well past 100,000 miles!

Is it worth fixing up an old bike?

If the integrity of the frame is compromised, it's time for a new bike.

If the frame is bent, cracked, rusted through, has broken welds, a stuck seatpost or bottom bracket, it's time for it to be retired

.

Do Aluminium bike frames crack?


The sign of the end of life of an alu structure is a fatigue crack

, when the first crack appears, probably more will come. A few years can be gained by welding but it will fail probably at another place. Regular inspection is needed to avoid a total failure.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.