Chain wear?

[The Bear]

I had a new chain (Sram PC1110) fitted to my 11 speed Cube Reaction Race ebike in the middle of February, and its now showing 0.5% wear, which according to the Park Tool chain checker guide means my chain should be replaced.

I ride about 200 miles per month, so in the three months since i've had this chain I've probably covered 600 miles.

Does this sound about right as I expected it to last longer?

 

[soundwave]

i used these when i had 11spd

SRAM PC-X1 11 Speed Chain | Chain Reaction

SRAM PC-X1 11 Speed Chain - Lowest Prices and FREE shipping available from The World's largest online bike store - Chain Reaction Cycles

www.chainreactioncycles.com

 

[The Bear]

How come some 11 speed chains have more links than others?

The one fitted to my bike is 120 links, I see the one you posted has 118 links, and I've also seen 11 speed chains with 114?

Infact, I bought a 114 ink chain my mistake and when fitting it today and it just doesn't fit right, the chain touches itself as in the photo below, I can only assume it is to long? (Although when holding it up against the chain I removed they were both the same length)

 

[soundwave]

depends what size front chain ring you have

 

[The Bear]

depends what size front chain ring you have

Ok, thanks. So is there a way of working out which size chain is needed?
When my bike shop fitted one for me the receipt said it was a Sram PC1110 120 link. The replacement I bought by mistake has 114 links but appears to be to long (see photo above).

 

[soundwave]

it is what you use the chain tool for and remove links you dont need and yeah it is to long prob why it is knackered.

 

[The Bear]

it is what you use the chain tool for and remove links you dont need and yeah it is to long prob why it is knackered.

The one in the photo is the new one I fitted today, but isn't right. So perhaps I just need to remove some links?

 

[soundwave]

then you need to take out id say 2 links other wise it will just flap about otherwise.

 

[The Bear]

Thanks, obviously the 120 link chain had some links removed . I'll get myself a chain link tool. Any suggestions for a good one?

 

[soundwave]

this is what i use

Pardon our interruption...

Topeak Super Chain Tool

Topeak Super Chain Tool is Super-compact, Super-easy to use with a Super-bundle of Allen keys.

www.halfords.com

 

[Artstu]

Thanks, obviously the bike shop got a 120 link chain and removed some links. I'll get myself a chain link tool. Any suggestions for a good one?

Bike shops have chains on rolls, so it is unlikely they ever actually count the links, just set them up big ring to largest sprocket on the rear.

 

[soundwave]

Bike shops have chains on rolls, so it is unlikely they ever actually count the links, just set them up big ring to largest sprocket on the rear.

id not be taking my bike back to a shop that does work like that lol.

 

[Artstu]

id not be taking my bike back to a shop that does work like that lol.

All bike shops do that. obviously you won't be going to any.

 

[soundwave]

so you think a chain that is to long is fine then there is no tension on that rear mech at all thus the clutch is doing nothing and looks like the chain is rubbing on the top jockey wheel as well.

 

[Artstu]

so you think a chain that is to long is fine then there is no tension on that rear mech at all thus the clutch is doing nothing and looks like the chain is rubbing on the top jockey wheel as well.

Of course not, chains are set up so they don't lock up in the extreme big to big and that wasn't fitted by a bike shop remember.

 

[Kenny]

I ride about 200 miles per month, so in the three months since i've had this chain I've probably covered 600 miles.

Does this sound about right as I expected it to last longer?

If your not doing off road riding, you could consider converting to an 8 speed.

I did it on my 10 speed Pro Connect.
Being a stronger chain, it lasts longer and is much cheaper to replace.

I’ve always found the 8 speed to be easier to set up too and perfect for commuting.

 

[The Bear]

If your not doing off road riding, you could consider converting to an 8 speed.

I did it on my 10 speed Pro Connect.
Being a stronger chain, it lasts longer and is much cheaper to replace.

I’ve always found the 8 speed to be easier to set up too and perfect for commuting.

The problem is, I use all eleven of my gears on my commute. Gear eleven on the flats (and I could do with a higher gear) and sometimes all the way down to gear one when riding up the steep hills on my daily commute....

 

[The Bear]

Just taken my new chain off and hung it from a nail on a length of timber, and SW is correct, it's two links longer than the one its replaced. I had previously measured it top of a flat bench and they both looked the same length, but obviously not.
Got a chain link tool arriving today so I'll remove two links and refit it.

 

[Gadfly]

Check your chain length again using the instructions given by the late, great Sheldon Brown.

Derailer Adjustment

 

[soundwave]

you can fit 12spd if you wanted it as nx fits on the normal free hub that you have.

SRAM NX Eagle Upgrade Kit Groupset

The Sram NX Eagle Upgrade Kit is a drivetrain to convert your mountain bike to 12 speed. This results in a higher gear range and enables you to ride with a single ch

www.mantel.com