2500 mile service should I expect to have to change cassette & chain?

[jeltz]

Bought my bike (Specialised Roubaix SL4 Comp) a year ago and have done a little over 2500 miles so I have booked it in for a service with the LBS (which I wish to support). As I understand it the basics of the service are strip down and re-grease, cable change, index gears.

Top priority is the hydraulic disc brakes, I want them serviced and pads changed as we are in a hilly area.

The shop is also recommending that I have the cassette and chain replaced and is saying that I can save a bit of money using 105 instead of Ultegra. Is that normal at about 2500 miles?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I would change at that quite happily, especially if miles done have been particularly wet/grotty/mucky etc

 

[S-Express]

Replace kit when it needs replacing - not when you hit some arbritary distance number.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Chains and cassettes don't see miles. They only see wear and wear is dependent on several things including mileage. Your bike shop should be able to measure the chain and tell you how much life is left. If they can't, find another bike shop.

 

[HLaB]

I would expect only to replace the chain but that's just me its perfectly feasible you need to replace both.

 

[Drago]

Far too many variables to be able to say. However, in my case I'd be well into my second chain by then.

 

[Racing roadkill]

If the chain is deemed to be stretched to the point it's in need of replacement, it's best practice to replace the chain and cassette together ( that way the new chain and cassette wear in a more 'matched / uniform' manner), unless, when informed, the customer specifically doesn't want to do that.

 

[gbb]

As already stated, depends on the actual wear it's showing. A chain checker is an invaluable tool...and the bike shop may well have measured OPs chain, found it worn and advised correctly. ..although not detailed enough. Bear in mind plenty of cyclists don't know the details and often don't want to so perhaps the LBS have just given OP the basic info. I'd go back and ask specifics, how much wear and base my decision on that.
2500 miles...I'd have just replaced my second chain so the mileage achieved isn't too bad IME. But that's my world....OPs may be completely different.

 

[S-Express]

If the chain is deemed to be stretched to the point it's in need of replacement, it's best practice to replace the chain and cassette together ( that way the new chain and cassette wear in a more 'matched / uniform' manner), unless, when informed, the customer specifically doesn't want to do that.

You keep trotting this out at every opportunity. But it's complete and utter nonsense with no basis in fact.

 

[Beebo]

Ask the shop to tell you how much the chain has stretched.
If the chain is too long then you may have caused damage to the cassette, but you need to know how long the chain is.

 

[Debade]

As already stated, depends on the actual wear it's showing. A chain checker is an invaluable tool...and the bike shop may well have measured OPs chain, found it worn and advised correctly. ..although not detailed enough. Bear in mind plenty of cyclists don't know the details and often don't want to so perhaps the LBS have just given OP the basic info. I'd go back and ask specifics, how much wear and base my decision on that.
2500 miles...I'd have just replaced my second chain so the mileage achieved isn't too bad IME. But that's my world....OPs may be completely different.

I think gbb has provided good advice. I purchased the Park chain checker which I use to confirm my chains length. You can go online and learn to do it with a ruler but chain tools are quick and easy.

A chain that gets stretched will cause the cassette to not perform smoothly. If the gears are not changing smoothly, it is a good indication that you waited too long to replace the chain. (However, I have waited too long and not seen much issues with performance). If you manage your chain properly by replacing it before it is stretched to the point where it is damaging your cassette , (LBS or online can tell you what that means), your cassette should last for several chain changes. This is the recommended approach primarily for cost savings as it does not hurt to change both at the same time, just a waste of money.

 

[User6179]

Ultegra cassette should be ok at 2500 miles .

 

[fossyant]

Ultegra cassette should be ok at 2500 miles .

That depends on use, like everything. If the OP uses certain gears most (like most people do), then there is a good chance those sprockets won't mesh with the chain very well. Best to budget for a new cassette.

 

[User6179]

That depends on use, like everything. If the OP uses certain gears most (like most people do), then there is a good chance those sprockets won't mesh with the chain very well. Best to budget for a new cassette.

Never had less than 10000 miles out an 10 speed Ultegra cassette even running a chain for 5000 miles , I take it the OP has 11 speed though so they might be different quality.

 

[fossyant]

Never had less than 10000 miles out an 10 speed Ultegra cassette even running a chain for 5000 miles , I take it the OP has 11 speed though so they might be different quality.

If the OP budgets it in, and then chain does work nicely on the old cassette, then he is quids in. You obviously look after your kit, not everyone does.