When to change your road chain??

[Cycle Fan]

Might be a stupid question but humour me... How do you know when it's time to change your chain (road)? Are their any telltale signs? Done about 2000km on my current chain - should I look at replacing it?

[porky]

You will need to measure it - search for it here, Mr Bornman has posted the method as have others.

[intern]

A good time to replace it is right after it has snapped as you start sprinting for the line. Or maybe just before.

Will depend on the type of chain. I find a Dura Ace one lasts for about 3 years and 15-20 000 kays. But that's kept loobed and maintained properly.

 

[Underachiever]

For 10 spd Campag, I was advised to change every 5 000 km.  Have been doing it for past 20 000 km training miles, so my cassette is still in a good condition.

[dollar]

I will be smart this time and refer you directly to someone else. Sheldon is dead so nobody can argue with him 

 

Look at http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

 

[Speed Devil]

A good time to replace it is right after it has snapped as you start sprinting for the line-Too late. Or maybe just before-Too Early.
Will depend on the type of chain. I find a Dura Ace one lasts for about 3 years and 15-20 000 kays. But that's kept loobed and maintained properly.

 

The art is to get the timing just right so that you don't waste money unecessarily but at the same time don't injure yourself

[1hill@aTime]

2000? never dude i think intern may be right here(this doesn't happen often)

[Cycle Fan]

Thanks for all the advice guys...

[AndreZA]

forget about XXXkm or how strong you are or how long it's been on the bike. Just measure it with a steel inch ruler and get a proper answer.