Chain wear - Does this chain need to be replaced now?

[peevee]

Hi there. I would appreciate any opinions whether I need to replace my 11 speed Shimano Ultegra road bike chain as I do not have a wear indicator tool with 0.5 on it.

[Jbr]

Yes, I replace my chains just before the 0.75 mark, it saves your cassette

[BaGearA]

if you're going to buy another ultegra chain yes sommer do it 

 

 

but also get a parktool cc-3.2 , just never let it fall and throw it away if you have let it fall

[RobertWhitehead]

Yes, I would look at replacing it within the next 300-500km depending on how quickly it wears and or how many km's it currently has on it

[peevee]

Thanks Robert. I have already done just over 8,000km on the chain so will replace now as it seems to be the right time.

[The Ouzo]

4 minutes ago, peevee said:

Thanks Robert. I have already done just over 8,000km on the chain so will replace now as it seems to be the right time.

Put it for sale in the classifieds. * Like New * * Hardly Used *

[Eldron]

Best way to determine if Shimano chains are done is with the Shimano TL-CN42. It spreads one link and gives you the most accurate change/don't change choice (other meters tend to make you replace before end of life).

https://www.bike24.com/p211603.html

[RobertWhitehead]

5 minutes ago, peevee said:

Thanks Robert. I have already done just over 8,000km on the chain so will replace now as it seems to be the right time.

Lots of life left on that bad boy

[Frosty]

Here's a quick check, without the tools.
I have the Park Tool CC-3.2, so no need to worry. However, I'll check my chain manually when washing, and if it's in doubt, I'll whip out the tool. 

The first method for checking chain wear is to simply lift the chain off the front chainring. Shift into the smallest cog on the rear and largest chainring in front and lift the chain off of the chainring. If it lifts off the chainring to the point where you can see a lot of daylight between your chain and chainrings, you’ll either need to replace your chain, or you are fast approaching the point of replacement. It’s nearly as accurate as using the proper tool, but it’s a good starting point if you haven’t replaced your chain in a while.

 

Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12″ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16″ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.

[Jehosefat]

^ second method is a bit iffy with metric rulers though. 24 rivets should be 304.8mm and you should replace if the measurement is more than 306.3mm (for 0.5% stretch, but 306.4 is the conversion of 12 1/16")

[Frosty]

12 minutes ago, Jehosefat said:

^ second method is a bit iffy with metric rulers though. 24 rivets should be 304.8mm and you should replace if the measurement is more than 306.3mm (for 0.5% stretch, but 306.4 is the conversion of 12 1/16")

Lots of rulers have metric and imperial.
A steel rule is a good investment in any toolbox.

[Jehosefat]

14 minutes ago, Frosty said:

Lots of rulers have metric and imperial.
A steel rule is a good investment in any toolbox.

Agreed, I've got 4, everywhere from 30cm to 2m. None of them have imperial markings though.

[DieselnDust]

repalce at 0.5% wear and the cassette will last easy 20,000km. I have a PG1170 that is now ready for replacement after 27,000km service

[MORNE]

5 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:

repalce at 0.5% wear and the cassette will last easy 20,000km. I have a PG1170 that is now ready for replacement after 27,000km service

but chains cost as much as cassettes these days....so theres that?

[Frosty]

56 minutes ago, Jehosefat said:

Agreed, I've got 4, everywhere from 30cm to 2m. None of them have imperial markings though.

[Jehosefat]

1 minute ago, Frosty said:

I certainly was not meaning to imply that you cannot get them. Was just pointing out that none of the ones I have have the imperial measurements on them. Which then makes the ruler approach for measuring chain stretch a bit iffy to perform.