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 mountain bike chain needs replacing?
How often should I replace my bike chain?
It might be necessary to replace a chain that often if the bike is frequently ridden on wet or gritty roads. But chains can usually go
2,000 to 3,000 miles
or even longer before there’s enough wear to relegate them to the trash bin, if they are well maintained.
How long does a chain last on a bike?
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 long should a 12 speed chain last?
There are many variables that affect how long a chain will last. It could last several months, or it could last much longer. A typical mountain bike chain will last
750 miles
of single track riding. It’s not easy to gauge exactly how long a chain will last, but there are ways to prolong the life of the chain.
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 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.
Is my chain worn?
Measuring chain wear the free and easy way
Pull the chain at the front of the chainring as shown.
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 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.
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.
How long do MTB drivetrains last?
Mostly, mountain bike drivetrain can last
up to 15000km
before it gets one replacement cycle, drivetrain components vary in life span, the chain is the fastest worn part followed by cassette and chainrings, the chain should be replaced when it reaches 0.75% of a stretch when both cassette and chainrings should be …
How long does a mountain bike cassette 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.
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 long does a mountain bike last?
With proper maintenance a mountain bike can last
over 20 years
. This duration is highly dependent on where you ride and how much you ride. Some items will wear out, tires, chains, brake pads and drivetrains will not last forever. When it comes to longevity careful maintenance is everything.
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.
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.
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 do I know my chain length?
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.
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.
Are bike chains universal?
All modern bicycle chains are made to the “one-half inch pitch” standard, meaning from rivet to rivet is nominally 0.5 inches. The sprocket teeth are cut for this same one-half inch standard to accept bicycle chains. However,
this does not mean all makes and models of chains are interchangeable
.
When should I change my bike cassette?
Once the chain wear is approaching 1% “stretch”
, it’s usually time to replace the cassette as well. Because the teeth on the cassette will have worn down to more or less match the chain wear, if a new chain is fitted to a worn cassette, it won’t mesh properly and may jump or skip, especially when changing gear.
How long does a bike 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.
How do you replace a mountain bike chain?
Do bike chains stretch?
Do bicycle chains really stretch? The short answer is
no, however they do wear in such a way as to cause their maximum length to increase
. Mechanics usually refer to this as chain “stretch.” It is the sign of a worn out chain that should be replaced.
