Using a ruler, a new chain should measure exactly 12 inches across 12 links, from middle of pin to middle of pin. The number most commonly agreed on for a worn chain is one percent elongation between links. In reality though, you want to replace the chain before this point..
Also asked, how do I know if my bike chain is worn?
Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 23 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12″ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16″ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.
can I use wd40 on my bike chain? WD-40 doesn't really lubricate much of anything. It's actually a de-greaser, so it will remove any lubricant from bicycle chains, cables and other pivot joints. If you're cleaning your chain for re-lubrication purposes with a product other than WD-40, then WD-40 will be fine to use.
Beside this, how long should a bike chain last?
So, typically, a bike chain can last anywhere from 500 to 5,000 miles, depending on the type of chain you buy and the number of miles you put on your bike. If you ride your bike very seldom, or only go on the occasional evening ride, your bike chain can last years with good maintenance.
How much does a chain for a bike cost?
If you need a bike chain for a relatively inexpensive bike the cost of a decent chain will run you about $16 – $40 dollars. For a nice road bike, on the other hand, the chain cost can range from $30 – $100 dollars.
Related Question Answers
How do I know my bike chain size?
Begin by counting the number of teeth on the largest front sprocket and largest rear. These numbers are often printed right on the sprockets and cogs. Next, measure the distance between the middle of the crank bolt to the rear axle. This is also the chain stay length.Does new bike chain need lube?
The factory lubricant all by itself is usually good for several hundred miles of service if the bike is not ridden in wet or dusty conditions. It is best not to apply any sort of lube to a new chain until it is clearly needed, because any wet lube you can apply will dilute the factory lube.Should I replace chain and cassette together?
But they will eventually need to be changed as well. You should always install a new chain (or have one that's pretty new already) when you install a new cassette. But you can go through 5 or so chains on a single cassette.Why does my chain keep slipping?
Most of the time, a skipping chain is caused by cable stretch. In the first half dozen rides on a new bike your shift cables stretch the most. To fix a skip in the rear derailleur, shift your chain into the smallest ring on your rear cassette (the hardest gear) and the middle or larger ring on your front derailleur.Do bike chains stretch?
Do bicycle chains really stretch? The short answer is no, however they do wear in such a way as to cause their maximum length to increase. Mechanics usually refer to this as chain “stretch.” It is the sign of a worn out chain that should be replaced.Why do bike chains break?
Chains break for a host of reasons, but most common is wear. For example, if a chain has been ridden for 2500 miles, it will actually stretch out. Correspondingly, a ridden chain will be longer from link to link than a new chain. Because the chain is stretched, the metal fatigues is more susceptible to failure.How often should I lube my bike chain?
In terms of adding lube in between cleanings, every week or two should be fine, more often if the drivetrain is getting noisy. Just a few drops of lube should be enough, unless you ride on very dirty roads. I would say that it is best to clean and lube your chain after every ride.How many years does a bike last?
A bike kept indoors will last forever, that is, 100 years easily. If the question is what is the average life of bikes before they are thrown away, then its probably 5-15 years.How often should you clean your chain?
If you are a frequent rider, using your bike several times throughout the week, your bicycle will benefit from a regular cleaning and lubrication of the drive chain. Bicycle Tutor recommends cleaning and lubricating your bike's drive chain at least once every month to maintain optimal performance and protection.Why does the chain keep coming off bike?
Fixed Gear If you have a fixed-gear bike, meaning one that you do not use a shifter on, the likely culprit is the nuts holding your rear axle. When these nuts become loose, the wheel can slide forward, shortening the distance between your pedals and your wheel. This causes a loose chain that is prone to falling off.How many miles does a motorcycle last?
It's like asking how long humans should live…”your mileage may vary.” A good rule of thumb for street bikes is: take automotive miles and maintenance costs, and multiply by four.” A motorcycle with 25,000 miles is like a car with 100,000 miles; a 50,000 mile bike is like a car with 200,000.How many miles should a cassette last?
A chain is good for 1,000 - 2,000 miles depending on the season. Dirtier times of the year yield more rain. If I run chains longer, the cassette wears faster. It is usually only 1 or 2 cogs in the cassette that go.How often should you change your cassette?
At our shop, we suggest a new cassette every 2 times you replace your chain, IF you stay on top of your maintenance schedule. With 99% of customers this would mean a new cassette every 1-2 years depending on how much you ride it. If you are a commuter and ride everyday, your timeframe for replacement gets much smaller.Do bike cassettes wear out?
"Over time, as your chain wears and stretches, you'll notice your gear shifts become less precise and less fast," says Shimano's Ben Hillsdon. "A worn out chain will also wear out your cassette and chainring teeth. Once the tool shows the chain is worn it's time for a new one.How long does a bike drivetrain last?
Chains are replaced when they measure 1/16" longer than 12", which usually works out to be every 2000-3000 miles. Your components should be lasting much, much longer than 500 miles. Cleaning and lubing your drivetrain on a regular basis will make it last much longer.Why does my bike make a grinding noise when I pedal?
Worn components can create a host of issues, (e.g., a new chain on worn chainrings can make a grinding noise and felt through the pedals.) 2 Pedals: Ensure the pedals are properly tightened. A loose pedal or pedals can make a “ticking” noise at the bottom of the pedal stroke.How often should you change your mountain bike chain?
Even with regular maintenance & lubrication most bicycle chains need to replaced about every 1500 miles, however mountain bikes need bike chain replacement more often due to mud, dirt and other debris speeding up wear.What size cassette do I need?
Most road bike cassettes have an 11, 12, or 13-tooth smallest sprocket, then between 21 and 32 teeth on the largest sprocket. The vast majority of road bikes come with a 12-25 cassette, which is suitable for most cycling terrain when paired with a compact or standard chainset.How long should a MTB cassette last?
As long as you replace the chain soon enough your cassette and rings will last a LONG time. My current cassette I got used and it has been in daily use for over 5 years now. Also, I find Shimano cassettes will last substantially longer then srams. Probably 3 to 1, or more. 
