Checking for chain wear

By John Swindells | Comment
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There are a few ways to check for chain wear on a bike. One method is to use a chain wear indicator tool, which is a small tool that you can place on your chain to determine if it's stretched and needs to be replaced. Here are the steps to check chain wear using a chain wear indicator tool:

Clean the chain: Before checking for chain wear, it's important to clean the chain thoroughly. This will ensure that any dirt or debris doesn't affect the accuracy of the measurement.

Measure the chain: Place the chain wear indicator tool on the chain and measure the distance between the rollers and the tool's pin. A new chain will measure exactly 12 inches, and as the chain wears, this distance will increase.

Check the measurement: According to most of the bike industry standard, if the distance between the rollers and the pin is greater than 0.5% of the total length (12 inches) then the chain needs to be replaced.

Another method is to measure the length of 24 links of the chain, using a ruler or a chain wear gauge. A new chain will measure exactly 12 inches, and as the chain wears, this distance will increase. The general rule of thumb is that when the chain stretches more than 1% of its original length, it should be replaced.

Another way is to check the chain by visually inspecting it. If the chain appears to be stretched, and the links are loose, this can be an indication that the chain needs to be replaced. If there are visible signs of rust on the chain, it should also be replaced.

It's important to note that worn chains can cause damage to other drivetrain components and decrease the performance of the bike, so it's important to check for wear regularly and replace the chain as needed.

How often should i check?

How often you should check for chain wear depends on how frequently and under what conditions you use your bike. In general, it's a good idea to check the chain's wear at least once a month if you're an avid cyclist who rides frequently, and more often if you ride in dirty or wet conditions.

If you're a casual cyclist who only rides occasionally, you may be able to go longer between checks. However, it's still a good idea to check the chain at least once every three months, or before a long ride.

It's also important to note that the chain wear is also affected by the quality of maintenance and the quality of the chain itself, if the chain is well lubricated and it's not exposed to extreme conditions, it could last longer.

It's also worth noting that, if you're unsure how often to check the chain, you can consult the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific bike and chain.

In summary, a general rule of thumb is to check your chain wear once a month, or more frequently if you ride frequently or in dirty or wet conditions, and replace the chain when it becomes worn to avoid damage to other drivetrain components and decrease performance of the bike.

Where can I buy a chain wear tool?

Chain wear tools, also known as chain checkers or chain measuring tools, can be purchased from a variety of retailers. Here are a few places where you can buy a chain wear tool:

Bike shops: Local bike shops are a great place to buy a chain wear tool. They will typically have a selection of different tools and can provide advice on which tool would be best for your bike.

Online retailers: Websites such as Amazon, JensonUSA, Chain Reaction Cycles, and Wiggle are popular online retailers that sell chain wear tools. Shopping online can provide a wider variety of tools to choose from, and you can usually find reviews from other customers to help you make your decision.

Bike tool manufacturers: Many bike tool manufacturers, such as Park Tool, Topeak, and Pedros, produce their own chain wear tools that can be purchased directly from their website or through retail partners.

Sporting goods stores: Some sporting goods stores, such as REI and Dick's Sporting Goods, carry a selection of bike tools, including chain wear tools.

It's worth checking the different options available and compare the price, quality and shipping cost, also checking the reviews from other customers can be helpful to make a decision.

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About the author

My name is John Swindells and I'm a keen recreational cyclist with a preference for long one-day rides. I've also previously dabbled in time trialling and cyclo-cross. See more of what I get up to on Strava!

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