Which chain?

[Trevski]

It's been a mucky, rainy week here, and the bike was looking decidedly grotty as a result, so I gave it a bath and lube today....and noticed that the chain didn't sit nicely on the large chainring. I measured it, and found 10 links covered 10 1/16" - time for a new one, before the sprockets / chainrings wear too much. It just shows how much extra wear wet conditions can cause. I've cleaned and lubed it every 2 to 3 hundred km, and at 1500km there was no measurable wear. Now, at 2000km, it's reached the point of no return. Any suggestions on what I should replace it with? I'm thinking SRAM PC-890 or PC-870, if I can find them at the right price. Anyone had good experiences with different brands?

Cheers,
Trev

 

[Doug Burton]

Hi Trev,

Hard to go wrong with SRAM chains.

A good alternative is KMC. Generally inexpensive, but smooth-running. I've used SRAM, KMC and Shimano, when it was on sale at the LBS. SRAM and KMC are neck-and-neck; Shimnao is usually expensive for no better quality.

We use YBN chains on some of our bikes as original equipment, and they're also good, but hard to find locally.

Best,

Doug

 

[Trevski]

Thanks Doug, I've done some Googling today, and SRAM seems the way to go, but.....

At the end of the day, my decision was made by my LBS - they only had Shimano HG50 in stock: $37AUD, and $10.90 for a chain tool to shorten it. I recycled the quick link joiner though - chains are too hard to clean on the bike. It's amazing how much quieter the gear train is, and the shifts are a lot snappier too. Next time though, I'll make sure I have the replacement on hand before I need it. That way, I'll be the one choosing which chain I use!!

Cheers,
Trev

 

[Trevski]

Update: Make it a part of your maintenance schedule to measure the chain, and replace it earlier rather than later. My old one was 1/16th inch stretched over 10 links, and didn't sit on the large chain-wheel properly. Over the whole chain length, it was almost half a link longer than the new chain.

I've noticed of late that my average speeds have been lower, which I have attributed to lack of condition due to reduced mileage now the days have shortened and weather become colder (less than 1C this morning - without wind chill from a moving bike :shock: (Soft Aussie). It's the first time I've ever had a brain-freeze that wasn't caused by icecream :lol: ). But that's not the whole story. As noted earlier, the drivetrain is quieter and shifts are better, but now I'm faster too I think it's because I'm not putting energy into moving the chain links around on the sprockets and chain-wheels - it's all going into driving the bike. The whole thing feels smoother too - like a new bike!!

Cheers,
Trev