Crankarm
Guru
- Location
- Nr Cambridge
Do chains stretch more readily riding a loaded touring bike, thus having a shorter life, than on a normal unloaded road bike?
I have Ultegra 9 spd chains on a couple of bikes. I put a new one on one of my hybrids this time last year which I have since used for general road riding, load carrying and some short tours. Have just checked the chain for stretch and blow me down it's pretty much in need of replacement as the Park guage at 1.0 easily slips between the links. I have hardly ridden any miles on it over the last year - maybe 1,500-2000 miles, but sometimes with heavy loads in panniers, few hills though. Whereas my road bike chain has been on for 4-5 years and has yet to reach the 0.75 mark so life still left in the chain yet. My road bike was ridden pretty much most weekends, sat and sundays, and during warm summer evenings most weekday evenings.
What's going on? All chains are kept clean and well lubed. The chainsets and cassettes are in excellent condition.
Have other cyclists experienced premature chain wear on their touring bikes?
I have Ultegra 9 spd chains on a couple of bikes. I put a new one on one of my hybrids this time last year which I have since used for general road riding, load carrying and some short tours. Have just checked the chain for stretch and blow me down it's pretty much in need of replacement as the Park guage at 1.0 easily slips between the links. I have hardly ridden any miles on it over the last year - maybe 1,500-2000 miles, but sometimes with heavy loads in panniers, few hills though. Whereas my road bike chain has been on for 4-5 years and has yet to reach the 0.75 mark so life still left in the chain yet. My road bike was ridden pretty much most weekends, sat and sundays, and during warm summer evenings most weekday evenings.
What's going on? All chains are kept clean and well lubed. The chainsets and cassettes are in excellent condition.
Have other cyclists experienced premature chain wear on their touring bikes?