

However, this does not mean all makes and models of chains are interchangeable. Make sure that the ends of the chain are compatible (one end should have only a. When your chain is too long it will be slack in your small-gear combinations. The sprocket teeth are cut for this same one-half inch standard to accept bicycle chains. New chains frequently come in lengths that are longer than they need to be. Are bike chains universal?Īll modern bicycle chains are made to the “one-half inch pitch” standard, meaning from rivet to rivet is nominally 0.5 inches. Combine all those factors, mix in one bad shift and you have a recipe for a broken chain. Correspondingly, a ridden chain will be longer from link to link than a new chain. A few years ago I was building up a new bike and I trusted the chain 'formula'.

I was a bit worried about sizing because I am going with the Campy medium cage derailleur and a monstrous 32t rear cog. For example, if a chain has been ridden for 2500 miles, it will actually stretch out. Thanks everyone for the advice/confirmation. Why does my bike chain keep breaking?Ĭhains break for a host of reasons, but most common is wear. Its built well enough to use in your home bike shop, small enough to through into a trailhead toolkit, but too big for you to want to take it out on the trail. Replacing the chain at regular intervals will make the cassette, the cluster of sprockets on your bike’s rear hub, last longer. If you experience shifting issues, you might be overdue for a new chain. Proper bicycle chain lubrication not only makes shifting gears easier but also ensures the drivetrain lasts longer. How can I make my bike chain last longer? I clean my chain about twice a year, whether it needs it or not, and I get about 2000 miles out of mine. How long does a bike chain usually last?Ī chain can last anywhere from about 500 miles to 5000, depending on the quality of the chain, the sprockets, how the bike is ridden, and the maintenance. No two chains will wear at exactly the same rate because no two riders treat their chains the same. Derailleur pulleys are out of alignment with the rear wheel cog that the chain is on This will cause unnecessary tension on the chain, and can/ will cause the chain to skip gears while you are riding. The 2,000-Mile Rule To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike’s chain every 2,000 miles. If you go too long without cleaning your bike it will build up enough that it will cause your chain to slip. How often should you replace your MTB chain? It’s not easy to gauge exactly how long a chain will last, but there are ways to prolong the life of the chain.

#Mountain bike chain too long how to#
How To Remove Bike Crank Without Puller?.Can You Ride Mountain Bikes On The Pavements?.Can I Use WD-40 On My Bicycle For Maintenance?.How Often Should I Degrease and Lube My Chain?.If you use your bike for leisurely rides in dry, clean conditions, such as a paved bike path, you could rely on this. If the bike chain is too long it will cause problems when changing gears as the derailleur can handle the extra chain length Click To Tweet Read more on common questions asked The recommendation to lube your mountain bike chain at least every 100 miles is a generic suggestion found in many bicycle owner’s manuals.
