So how much is a bike chain? A bike chain costs anywhere from $10 to $90 depending on the brand, quality, and type of bike you’re buying it for Basic, cheaper bikes that need a simple chain will be closer to $10 Higher quality chains that are durable and made for top notch road bikes will cost $60 to $90
How much does it cost to get a bike chain replaced?
Most shops charge $15 to $20 to install a chain or you can purchase a chain tool for $10 to $50 and learn to do it yourself
Is replacing a bike chain easy?
The best bike multi-tools may include a chain tool which is usually okay but using a proper workshop chain tool makes things much easier If you’re using a quick link it’s theoretically possible to remove your chain by hand, but a pair of link pliers make it a whole lot easier
How often should a bike chain be replaced?
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 Mind you, this is just a starting point No two chains will wear at exactly the same rate because no two riders treat their chains the same
Are expensive bike chains worth it?
No The only advantage of expensive chains within a specific brand is the minor reduction in weight The ones with extra plating do look nicer and provide some corrosion resistance, but it takes almost no effort to keep your chain rust free
How do I know if my chain is worn out?
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 24 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
How do I know if my bike chain needs replacing?
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 So therefore anything past 12, 1/16 inches (05 percent) would be the time to replace a chain
How long do bike chains last?
Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race
How do I get a new bike chain?
When selecting a chain, the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced
Do all bike chains have a master link?
Do all bike chains have a master link? Nope, not all chains have master links If your bicycle has derailleurs, it means it’s unlikely that your bike’s chain will have a master link
How do I know which chain to buy for my bike?
How do I choose? Bike chain selection is firstly decided based upon the “speed” of the chain; this is because it determines the width of the chain An 11 speed chain for example is narrower than a 9 speed chain, as the sprockets on the 11 speed cassette have a narrower spacing between them
How often should I lube my bike chain?
Bicycle Tutor recommends cleaning and lubricating your bike’s drive chain at least once every month to maintain optimal performance and protection The chain and drivetrain are typically the dirtiest parts of your bike, and this dirt is bad news for bike longevity and performance
Should I replace a rusty bike chain?
If your bike chain is severely rusted, replacing it entirely may be best for the health of your bike Imperfections in severely deteriorated chains can damage other parts of your drivetrain After the chain is clean, you’ll only need to reattach and lubricate it before you’re ready to ride
How much should I spend on a bike chain?
A bike chain costs anywhere from $10 to $90 depending on the brand, quality, and type of bike you’re buying it for Basic, cheaper bikes that need a simple chain will be closer to $10 Higher quality chains that are durable and made for top notch road bikes will cost $60 to $90
Does a new bike chain need lube?
Do I need to degrease and re-lube a new chain? The advice from most of the major chain manufacturers is that the lubrication chains come with is ideal for riding and doesn’t need to be removed Simply fit, ride and re-lube when necessary
Are all bicycle chains the same?
Are all bicycle chains the same size? No, all bicycle chains are not the same size Size varies on the bike’s numbers of sprockets, speeds, the distance between the front chainring and rear cogs, and the number of teeth on them
Why is my bike chain Rusty?
When the chain is exposed to moisture, it causes new chemical reactions to occur via a process known as oxidation This literally transforms part of the metal into a new type of metal: iron oxide (aka rust) Note: Other things can speed up the formation of rust, such as exposure to road salt and mud
What is a bike cassette?
The cassette on your bicycle can be found on the rear wheel and is a cluster of sprockets that are a part of the drivetrain They slide onto the freehub, the ratchet system that controls the drive of your bicycle when you pedal, and can have anything from 5 to 12 ‘speeds’
How long should a cassette last?
Cassette lifespan can range between 4000 to 10000 miles, and this is affected by the cassette itself and maintenance frequency