How often do you replace your chain???

[mikerod87]

Sorry if this has been already posted.

I purchased a new bike 6 months ago and has a HG53 Shimano chain on it. Non-zinc plated. I have 500 miles on the chain. I used dry lube after each ride but this chain makes noise under stress. The chain is a piece of crap.

I haven't checked if its stretched but how often do you replace your chain on a MTB? 500/1000 miles?

Will it make a difference?

I just purchased a 7701 XTR Chain and need to put it on.

[Zoke2]

if you say the original chain is a poc ... and you have a new chain

replace it

[Zoke2]

...

[JGill]

I replace it when it breaks

[highdelll]

I replace it when it breaks

if that was the case, I'd never replace chains
I replace it when it 'stretches' to 12 1/16" or more

[mtb+me]

Everyother month. I'm a maintenance nazi though. And I ride a single speed so findin bmx chains for cheap is not hard at all.

[dhoffroad]

well mine was 4 months old and I just broke it so I guess I change mine 4 months....LOL...

[mtnbiker72]

Sorry if this has been already posted.

I purchased a new bike 6 months ago and has a HG53 Shimano chain on it. Non-zinc plated. I have 500 miles on the chain. I used dry lube after each ride but this chain makes noise under stress. The chain is a piece of crap.

I haven't checked if its stretched but how often do you replace your chain on a MTB? 500/1000 miles?

Will it make a difference?

I just purchased a 7701 XTR Chain and need to put it on.

Sounds like your chain lube is crap if you have to lube every ride and your chain still makes noise. Try a real chain lube that works for the conditions you ride in.

I replace my chain when the "stretch" equals 12 1/16" pin to pin

[hows it goin]

i have been told to replace mine every 1500-2000km but it depends on if ur riding in mud or dust or whatever

[mikerod87]

Sounds like your chain lube is crap if you have to lube every ride and your chain still makes noise. Try a real chain lube that works for the conditions you ride in.

I replace my chain when the "stretch" equals 12 1/16" pin to pin

To all thanks for the comments.

I've been using white lightening.I saw on another thread using chain saw bar oil.(it might have been you that said this)

Any recommendations for lube? I ride in Florida where its pretty dry this time of year.

[LyNx]

Ditto on this one except I do 24 1/16", then the chain goes into the used parts bin for the beater or as an emergency replacement. Normally takes me about 1k miles to get that stretch.

if that was the case, I'd never replace chains
I replace it when it 'stretches' to 12 1/16" or more

[dirthead]

To all thanks for the comments.

I've been using white lightening.I saw on another thread using chain saw bar oil.(it might have been you that said this)

Any recommendations for lube? I ride in Florida where its pretty dry this time of year.

Chain-L. Been using it for over a year with terrific results in the desert. I'm getting about 3X more time between lubes than when using Prolink, or anything else for that matter.

[chuckie33]

To all thanks for the comments.

I've been using white lightening.I saw on another thread using chain saw bar oil.(it might have been you that said this)

Any recommendations for lube? I ride in Florida where its pretty dry this time of year.

I've been using Rock N Roll Extreme with great results.

[highdelll]

... then the chain goes into the used parts bin....

you can also make some jewelery with it.
My nephews thought the bracelets I made for them were really cool and tough lookin
I wear one too!

[mtnbiker72]

To all thanks for the comments.

I've been using white lightening.I saw on another thread using chain saw bar oil.(it might have been you that said this)

Any recommendations for lube? I ride in Florida where its pretty dry this time of year.

I use a biodegradable Bar and Chain lube (Renewable Lubricants) in the 15w-50 formula cut 50/50 with Canola Oil. It has worked fantastically so far in the wet PNW. As good as any wet lube I have ever used. I spent a total of $15 for enough product to make 64oz of lube and share with my riding buddies. Used in moderation, wet lubes work great in dry conditions as well...better than any wax based lube IME.

If you'd rather buy a pre-made product, the Pedros Chainj, Go, or Ernesto Lube would be similar products.

[nachomc]

When it stretches.

Get the Park Tool chain wear indicator and replace when between .75 and 1.

[jeffscott]

Run your chains right out to 1% stretch....

In dusty conditions you also have to wash your chain as well as lube it...to get the dirt out...

I would say at least 2000 km if not 3000 km would be a long run for a chain.

[mtnbiker72]

Get the Park Tool chain wear indicator and replace when between .75 and 1.

No need to pay $25 for that tool...most new chains show .50 on it. .75 is 12 1/32", and 1 is 12 1/16".

I own one from my bike shop days and have done the comparisons

[nachomc]

No need to pay $25 for that tool...most new chains show .50 on it. .75 is 12 1/32", and 1 is 12 1/16".

I own one from my bike shop days and have done the comparisons

$25

$9.95 @ Jenson

$8.99 @ eBay

Or you could get this Sette one:

$5.38

[highdelll]

$0.48

[jeffscott]

$25

$9.95 @ Jenson

$8.99 @ eBay

Or you could get this Sette one:

$5.38

Get a chain checker....

Easy to use, every week or so measure the stretch, it will help you understand what is causing your chain to wear, and you can easily improve your maintance...(increase it or decrease it)....

I generally have a beer or two while I clean and fix up the bike....Since I clean and lube everything first, then measure the chain....I probably couldn't get an accurate reading without the chain checker by that time.

I use the Park tool one...

Most of the CN-7701 chains start at about .3 or .4 they quickly stretch out to somewhere around .75, then the stretch slows down I get ohhh 75% of the life of the chain from .75 to 1....

One ride can put 10% strech on a chain just depends on a what happens.

[mtnbiker72]

$25

$9.95 @ Jenson

$8.99 @ eBay

Or you could get this Sette one:

$5.38

Was refering to a Park CC-2

even at $6-$10 (plus shipping), it is a not needed. A simple tape measure does the exact same thing and is just as accurate.

[mtnbiker72]

$0.48

Well almost...you need it to go past 12" but your on the same thought process

[mikerod87]

[jeffscott]

Was refering to a Park CC-2

even at $6-$10 (plus shipping), it is a not needed. A simple tape measure does the exact same thing and is just as accurate.

If you can find a funcken tape measure when you need it...

Get a chain checker make your life easy.