How many km's?

[Newboy]

I know conditions and many other things play a role, but more or less how many km's do you get before you replace the following on a mountain bike:

a) chain

B) cassette

c) chainrings

[TNT1]

Top right on the home page is a search bar....

[tombeej]

OK Newboy I'll help.

 

It's impossible to say 'how many km' before you need to replace the chain. Too many variables.

 

Only way is to buy a chain checker tool and keep a close eye on wear.

 

Parktool have a good one (what I use). Check here - and watch their video:

 

http://www.parktool.com/product/chain-checker-cc-2

[Stretch]

Or just use a 12 inch steel rule. Google will explain what you need to look out for. I have just replaced my chain after just under 2000km

 

At the bottom is how to do it using rule and a heap of other useful info

http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

[BMXER]

You need a checker, generally a XT chain will last 1500 + dependent on mud / dust / cleaning conditions. Cassette and rings last 5+ chains provided your don't run worn chains.

[kosmonooit]

my 2c:

 

Also depends on what type of chain rings: steel, TI last longer than Al. And only change the ring that is worn. Middle front is the one I replace the most (on 3x9). Easy to see the wear on a chain ring, although the teeth are mostly shaped differently.

 

Maintenance of chain is NB: clean and relube after every big event.

 

Chain wear is the important thing to watch, if it wears out too much the pitch changes and accelerates cassette and chain ring wear.

 

I've got both types of Parktool chain wear checkers, the 'check' out with each other although some here are convinced they are not to be used or trusted.

 

Cassette wear is the more tricky thing to make a judgement call on: the teeth are all differently shaped. Best to keep a new on in stock and compare to see the wear and when its time to change it.

 

Whatever, don't fall for that favourite LBS con of having to replace cassette/chain rings each time the chain is replaced.

[TNT1]

 

 

Cassette wear is the more tricky thing to make a judgement call on: the teeth are all differently shaped. Best to keep a new on in stock and compare to see the wear and when its time to change it.

 

 

My 2c, that is garbage.

 

You cannot determine cassette wear by naked eye comparison to an unused cassette.

 

If you're going that route, you will feel the need in changing long before you eyeball will give you any hint.

[kosmonooit]

My 2c, that is garbage.

 

You cannot determine cassette wear by naked eye comparison to an unused cassette.

 

If you're going that route, you will feel the need in changing long before you eyeball will give you any hint.

 

How many ways are there to skin a cat captain?

 

Here's my thinking: How do you know if the cassette needs replacing? The unused cassette is an absolute reference. You can use a vernier to compare the extent of the wear by measuring different parts of it, and you can eyeball the wear on the shape of the teeth, and thenceforth you make the judgement call as whether it needs replacing.

 

Bob would be nice if you could share some of your pearls of wisdom as opposed to knocking down others contributions.

[TNT1]

Bob would be nice if you could share some of your pearls of wisdom as opposed to knocking down others contributions.

 

Not knocking anyone.

 

Verniers and such seem like overkill to me.

 

You will feel when shifting isn't smooth, and when it can't be adjusted away by the set screws on the dérailleurs, then look at the components. Of course, the basis for this approach is to be in tune with the kit, as in you can feel the bike and the ride, and can feel subtle differences changes.

Edited December 22, 2012 by TNT1