chain worn to 1.0 - can I just replace the chain?

[fossyant]

Just run the bike toothless, you'll be reet.

 

[Mazz]

Just run the bike toothless, you'll be reet.

At least you will have known you've got your money's worth.

 

[fossyant]

At least you will have known you've got your money's worth.

TBH, I notice my chain ring go first on my commuter - as it's a partial off road route, wear get's increased. Within 18 months it's wearing thin and shifting becomes less than ideal (chain suck) when shifting to a middle ring. Yet to replace the middle or small ring.

For the sake of £35 chainring, £20 chain and £25 cassette, I just do the lot every 18 months. The only other bike that eats components, is the full suspension. Not used it too much since getting the CX, but when I was doing, that was a dear experience. £50 minimum for a chain ring, £70 cassette, £20 chain.

 

[mustang1]

Idk if this works differently for different chains, but for my 10 speed chain, no way can I replace just the chain. It would definitely be time to change the cassette as well and also examine the chainrings to see what state they are in too.

Ps: I noticed you said it's "worn already" which implies to me that the chain has worn much sooner than expected. Therefore just double check that you are using the chain measuring tool correctly.

 

[mickle]

I don't understand. My chain rings last indefinitely and my cassettes last for years. I keep my chains clean and replace them before they're knackered.

I guess it helps that i stuck with 9 speed on all my derailleur bikes, so my chains are relatively cheap. But still.

 

[Binky]

I don't understand. My chain rings last indefinitely and my cassettes last for years. I keep my chains clean and replace them before they're knackered.

I guess it helps that i stuck with 9 speed on all my derailleur bikes, so my chains are relatively cheap. But still.

The rule of thumb for cassettes tends to be 3 chains per cassette. As for chainrings I think similarly 3 cassette changes then chainrings but go by wear is probably best if get "shark tooth" etc. As it happens my chainrings were fine but the crank delaminated (Ultegra bolded type) so it got replaced under warranty thing. Had around 18000miles on them at the time.

As with all components, it all depends on use, power put out, if used in wet/crappy conditions etc etc. Hence I go by wear for chains and then stick with 3 chains changed then do cassette as a bit trickier to judge if required other than shifting less precise. I therefore tend to change chain once a year and cassette every 3. I replace with genuine Ultegra parts so end of day even then not expensive. My yearly mileage is around 4000-5000miles which seems to coincide with chain worn to 0.5/0.75.

I have 11 speed on bike, almost all riding is in dry although I do ride if roads wet albeit not raining. I use Squirt wax on chain.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I've become very slack on bike maintenance over the last ~3.5 years, partly because I've ridden far less outdoors and the proportion of my cycling has become far higher indoors on the turbo.

Normally, I don't ride outdoors if rain is expected, or the road outside is damp from earlier rain (giving some insight into how wet the lanes might be between Owslebury and Butser Hill). Yesterday was a very rare exception, I went out and unexpected drizzle (according to forecast at https://www.wunderground.com/) began around half way around my loop.

Had my rear hub motor ebike just under 11 months (so chain wear is only from my feable power), it's done something like ~1600 miles and ~110 hours, I've been lazy and simply applied MucOff dry ceramic lube every ~2 weeks without cleaning the chain.

A really rough and ready 12" of chain looks very close to 3/16" wear!

I was already looking at new chain out of routine, but if that measurement is anywhere close to accurate, the 11-34 cassette will need replacing too.

 

[All uphill]

Whatever routine you have drivetrain maintenance is very cheap compared to the maintenance costs of even the most reliable and simple car.

I don't stress about it, especially as I'm still on 9 speed.

 

[Mazz]

I don't stress about it, especially as I'm still on 9 speed.

I don't understand - What difference does the speed make?

 

[Binky]

I don't understand - What difference does the speed make?

The lower the number the bigger the chain hence longer wearing.
So a 9 speed chain typically last a lot longer than say a 12 speed.

 

[All uphill]

I don't understand - What difference does the speed make?

Parts are also much cheaper than 10,11 or 12 speed

 

[Ajax Bay]

The lower the number the bigger the chain hence longer wearing.

Source?

 

[Binky]

Source?

Various forums etc. Certainly that's always been the reported information. If it's 100% true in all cases don't know or particularly care.
Hence typically.

Here's one. Basically advice is to change 6-10 speed when wear is 0.75. On 11/12 speed when wear is 0.5.

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bicycle-chains

 

[fossyant]

Actually 1 x 12 can last very well apparently. I don't notice much difference in wear with various 'speeds' other than cost and where a bike is used.

 

[Binky]

Actually 1 x 12 can last very well apparently. I don't notice much difference in wear with various 'speeds' other than cost and where a bike is used.

So many variables involved anyway. Power, conditions, maintenance etc.
Basically everyone should just check and maintain their bikes as they see fit and change components when necessary. When I think that is might well differ from what someone else thinks.
These are bicycles not F1 cars.