After 3k miles since new, my gears stopped indexing properly. This was becasue the casette and chain were well worn. I got Evans to replace them. I think it cost about £70 including parts. The chainrings were borderline according to Evans and I did not replace them.
After another 1.5k miles they are on their way out again. I think the reason for the shorter life was a) It was winter b) the chain rings were already somewhat worn.
I clean the chain with a a park tool chain cleaner and degreaser every 2-4 weeks. So the question is how do I reduce the cost of replacing worn out chains/casettes/chainrings without having to spend too much extra time on cleaning and maintaining the bike?
Im thinking that I should get the casette, chain and middle and large chainrings replaced (small chainring is rarely used) in the late spring if I can last that long and then adopt a chain rotation strategy. I will invest in a chain wear measuring tool and a chain link tool and rotate the chains myself.
Can I get just the chainrings replaced? I think Evans wanted to flog me a new crankset which I'd rather avoid. My bike is a spech sirrus elite. It has a Sugino 28/38/48 crank with 5 arm 110BCD chainrings I think. Does anyone know where I can source replacement (38/48) chainrings which have good durability?
Has anyone who has tried this chain rotation thing have anything to say about their experience? Also is there another approach I should look into?
I think if I was buying another commuting bike I'd go for an internal hub gear. I guess I could have mine converted but it would be quite a lot of effort e.g. new back wheel, new shifter, new brake levers (as they are currently combined with the shifters), new crank, do something with the front derailuer etc etc. And I like having 24 gear to choose from!
After another 1.5k miles they are on their way out again. I think the reason for the shorter life was a) It was winter b) the chain rings were already somewhat worn.
I clean the chain with a a park tool chain cleaner and degreaser every 2-4 weeks. So the question is how do I reduce the cost of replacing worn out chains/casettes/chainrings without having to spend too much extra time on cleaning and maintaining the bike?
Im thinking that I should get the casette, chain and middle and large chainrings replaced (small chainring is rarely used) in the late spring if I can last that long and then adopt a chain rotation strategy. I will invest in a chain wear measuring tool and a chain link tool and rotate the chains myself.
Can I get just the chainrings replaced? I think Evans wanted to flog me a new crankset which I'd rather avoid. My bike is a spech sirrus elite. It has a Sugino 28/38/48 crank with 5 arm 110BCD chainrings I think. Does anyone know where I can source replacement (38/48) chainrings which have good durability?
Has anyone who has tried this chain rotation thing have anything to say about their experience? Also is there another approach I should look into?
I think if I was buying another commuting bike I'd go for an internal hub gear. I guess I could have mine converted but it would be quite a lot of effort e.g. new back wheel, new shifter, new brake levers (as they are currently combined with the shifters), new crank, do something with the front derailuer etc etc. And I like having 24 gear to choose from!