Chain Wear Questions

Gwood

2004-09-16 22:03:31 UTC

Post by Bob Marley
Thank you in advance for taking your time to answer my questions.
First: How can I test my chain to tell if it is worn out?

A worn chain usually stretches. Take a tape measure and start at the pin in
one link. At extactly 12", you should align with the pin in another link.
If you're not aligned, your chain is stretched. Another side effect of this
is that teeth on your chain ring will start to become pointed as the chain
rollers wear into the sides of them.

Post by Bob Marley
Second: What is the typical life of a bicycle chain in terms of miles?

Hmmm. I usually get a season or two, depending on how often I ride and how
well I care for my chain. Riding with a dirty drive train causes a lot more
wear.

Post by Bob Marley
Third: Is there any way to test the chain for wear without removing it
from the bicycle?

See above.

Post by Bob Marley
Fourth: Why don't bicycles come stock with a master link (super link)
like motorcycles do.

Some do.

Post by Bob Marley
Fifth: Do you recommend putting a master link on a bicycle chain?

For my next chain, I'll probably try a SRAM. I hear good things about them.

--
rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt