“You need a new chain.” This news usually comes as a bit of a shock, but it shouldn’t. If it feels like you’re replacing your chain more frequently than you expected to, that’s actually a good thing. Here’s why…
Modern drivetrains are not the same as those from 20 years ago. Or even 10 years ago. When SRAM decided to commit fully to making drivetrains, the company challenged the status quo. And Shimano had no choice but to respond.
In the last decade, mountain bike chainrings went from three, to two and then to one! This simplification has made mountain bike gearing more reliable and, by association, has made mountain biking more fun.
Not having to stop and sort out chain drama every few rides means more time enjoying riding. There’s one small caveat though. In order to have one chainring and 11 or 12 cogs with wide-range gearing on the cassette, the groupset brands had to make thinner chains.
Thinner chains are less robust and therefore wear a little faster than the old-school thick-link chains. For those that are new to mountain biking, you need to know that the current 1x drivetrains are far superior to anything we had before and this really is a small penalty, if you can even call it that.
Chainrings and cassettes have also become a lot lighter. While they’re made from metal, they wear over time. But they don’t wear at the same pace as your chain and by replacing your chain when your bike shop recommends it, you extend the lifespan of your chainring and cassette, both of which are more costly than a chain to replace.
“In our shop email newsletter that goes to our customers, we profile Lynnwood Cyclery staff members from time to time. One of the questions they get asked is: ‘What advice can you offer Lynnwood Cyclery customers to reduce their stress/costs?’ Almost every staff member mentions the importance of having your bike serviced at the recommended intervals so that you can know when certain parts, especially your chain, need replacement,” said Andre Terlouw, owner of Lynnwood Cyclery, one of South Africa’s leading Specialized Bicycles stores.
In addition to replacing your chain when it’s worn, you can also extend the life of your drivetrain by keeping it clean and lubricated. Ideally, you should give it a wipe down after every ride to remove grit, even in the dry winter months when grit tends to build up gradually on each ride.
Of course riding in mud creates a greater challenge for not only your drivetrain, but all moving parts on your bike and it’s essential to get it properly washed and lubricated as soon as possible after a muddy ride.
How long should your drivetrain last? It’s a simple question but without a simple answer. It depends on how often you ride, how well you use your range of gears when riding, how conscientious you are about keeping your drivetrain clean and lubricated and how often you ride in mud.
But know this: The best way to extend the life of your drivetrain is to replace your chain when it’s worn as this really does work out more cost-effective in the long run. How can you tell if your chain is worn? Some riders have a chain-checking tool that gives them this information, but for most, just taking it to your local bike shop and getting their expert assessment is the best.
Author, Lynnwood Cyclery