KMC chains

[Jaco-fiets]

I have a KMC x10SL gold plated chain. Its now done 3500km's and the chaintool slides in nicely between the links. Has the KMC chains have wider spaced lnks? Should i be worried and replace the thing. 3500km just is a little low for a road chain to be worn

[David Marshall]

Rather measure the chain with a ruler than relying on the chain tool - I unnecessarily replaced a perfectly good Ultegra chain because I didn't double check.  Look up Wikipedia, Bicycle chain. 

 

Twenty half-links in a new chain measure 10" (254 mm), and

replacement is recommended before the old chain measures 256 mm

(0.7% wear)^[2]. A safer time to replace a chain is when 24 half-links in the old chain measure 12¹/₁₆ inches (0.5% wear).

 

It is probably best to remove the chain to measure but you might be able to measure the 254 mm (twenty half links) between the cassette and chain ring while the chain is in place.  Use a piece of chalk to mark the first and last pin to make it easier.

 

Just out of interest my chain wear tool seems to be accurate on my 6 and 8 speed chains but not on the 10 speed.  Never measured a 9 speed! Strange because all chains have 1 inch links as standard.

 

[Jaco-fiets]

Thanks for info! Shouldnt a 10 speed chain just be a bit narrower than 9 and 8 speed?

[Guest Big H]

Jaco, do a search on the topic here on the Hub and also use Johan Bornman in your search. The topic of chain measuring tool versus measuring with a ruler has been discussed over and over. The chain measuring tool is not reliable. All chains are 1 inch long. If a section of chain of 12" long measure 12"1/16 inch it is 50% worn. If it measures 12"1/8 the chain is worn and must be replaced. At this point it starts destroying your cassette.

 

A ten speed chain is narrower than a 8/9 speed chain.