New chain?

I read that you should get a new chain every 1000 miles. Is this accurate? And is installing a new chain difficult? And how do you know what kind of chain to get? Any and all information is appreciated! :D

Deb?

We are at your feet. Craving knowlege and enlightenment.

(Flossie might want a new chain one of these days, and how could I refuse her?)

How often to replace a chain: lots of possible answers to this question. A chain absolutely has to be replaced if the chain skips over a cog tooth while riding and hammering hard. If you let it go that long you probably have to replace the cassette also, but that's OK if you don't mind the expense. You can also buy a little tool called a chainchecker that will tell you when the chain has stretched 0.5% or 0.75%. Velogirl recommended 1500-2000 miles for chain replacements to avoid having to replace the cassette too (though eventually the cassette will wear out no matter what).

I wrote a very detailed description of how to break and install a chain with a chaintool in this thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9930

Powerlinks/masterlinks are the way to go when installing a chain so you can break it again easily without a tool for cleaning. But you'll still need a chaintool to cut the new chain to length (based on the old chain length if using the same sized cassette).

Type of chain: they are sold as 8-speed, 9-speed, or 10-speed chains, based on width. Must match you cassette. Also probably best to stick with Shimano if your drivetrain is Shimano or Campy if your drivetrain is Campy. I use 8-speed SRAM chains on my 6-speed freewheel (you can use a narrower chain than necessary, but not the other way around). Ask for a recommendation at your LBS.

This thread has info on replacing a cassette and on chain replacement times:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9185

Thanx Deb - I'll check out those other threads...

Great advice from everyone... it's great to see a forum with women giving out the mechanical advice!

As for chains, I normally replace mine every 1500 miles and use SRAM chains. I have a Campy drivetrain, and have used Wipperman and SRAM chains on that. SRAM chains are easier to work with than Shimano(and their little pins)and very durable... I have been using them since the early 90's. You can also buy extra links(masterlink) in case of breaking a chain... especially a great thing for mountain bikers.

Chains are cheaper than cassettes.

I take my bikes in one at a time for the 'overhaul' over the winter, and get the chain replaced "whether it needs it or not" - since the bikes get lots of miles each year. I'm going to need a new cassette every once in a while, too. Putting 3000 miles on 'em means things wear out (and, ahem, especially since sometimes we get lax about lubrication... working on that...)

Not certain if mileage is the best gage - there is actually a tool you can purchase to determine your chain's wear. The tool is not very expensive. Bicycling Magazine this month discussed replacing your chain when the teeth start looking like "shark's fins" ie they become hooked on one side. Failure to replace a chain when needed will damage or destroy your cassette - a much more costly replacement then your chain!

My chain had 5500 miles on it, and it and cassette are still going strong. Shimano 105 cassette, I think, 9 speed. I took them off, though, to put on a new (Ultegra) cassette, and thus a new chain, with more mountain-y gears. But the mechanic is cleaning the old stuff for me in case I want to put them back on- there's _still_ life in them! And I shift a LOT.

I was worried about chain life, too, because BF replaces his chain at 500 miles!! and had them check it with a chain measuring tool a couple months ago and it was still good.

Nanci