How long do these last?
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bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
Chain I change when I find it is stretched or breaks, which hasn't happend yet (thank God). On the race bike neither have happened yet and it is still in good condition. The commuter/training bike is different. That has been changed about every 6mo. or so. That seems to be the cycle for me. Stretching varies with the quality of rides you have and your output, also the quality of chain. Cause I torture the chain so much in rain etc. I buy cheap ones. I assume you know how to check the chain stretch eh?
Tires, for the race bike I keep a close look at the tread and the roundness. Not really a prob cause they usually are only used for races and don't get much wear. The training tires are changed again, about every 6-8mo., or 6-8000km, for me. I just use'm till their toast with a bunch of flats. Once the "roundness" has gone is one indication that they should be replaced and the other is the overall tread amount left and the quality of the tread. On the trainer I don't really care too much what quality the tires are cause I am not a daredevil on them and use them for just that, training.
I am also interested in what others will say, my 2cents
BBB
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
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glbrum posted 2 years ago.
I agree with BBB on the tread wear of the tires. I have actually changed my rear tire 2 times already in 2,000 miles. I got a bunch of flats and didn't particularly like the tires anyway. I have heard that it is a good idea to change the chain every 2,000 miles. I would check the stretch on it though. If it isn't stretched, than there is no need to change it.
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trithis04 posted 2 years ago.
TriNewbie,
Chain durability will vary with the individual, your riding style, terrrain, and quality of the chain. I know that Shimano advises a chain replacement for Dura-Ace equiped bikes at 1,800 miles. I have well over 3,000 on my current chain (D-A) and it is still just fractions off the factory specs. If you ride a tremendous amount of grade or really crank your drivetrain you might burn the chain more quickly. Just monitor the chain stretch and replace it when needed. There's no need to spend the extra money at a factory specified mileage if the component is still good.
[FONT=Impact]-Jason
"Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"
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bluebirdbiker posted 2 years ago.
Well an update on the chain replacement. I got a new chain and cassette on Nov 19th 2005 and after 5210kms I have worn the chain and cassette down. Usually they last longer but I was delinquant on the chain replacement and after getting a new chain the cassette is pooched.I checked it in January and it was a little stretched (at about 2500kms) and it needed it but I didn't and now I paid for it. Had to get a new cassette with the new chain.
BBB
There are no excuses - so don't look for them. As a product of your own choices, you directly determine your life outcomes.
Don't think, just do.
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bray posted 2 years ago.
TriNewbie,
Based on the mileage you stated, I would replace your chain after this year assuming you again ride 650 - 1000 miles. This is also assuming you clean/wipe down your chain regularly. You can get away using a chain much longer, but the result is that your cogset and chainrings turn to toast and wear much quicker. It is much less expensive to replace your chain on a "regular" basis, independent of the measured stretch than to relace the entire drive train.
Just wondering how often everyone changes their tires and chain? I've got around ~650 miles on my 2005 bike. This was my first season so I am not sure if there're other maintences besides cleaning the chain and cleaning the bike itself. Thanks for your responses everyone :D
[FONT=Verdana]--James
Using no way as way, having, no limitation as limitation