The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by krhall

How long should a chain last?

I reckon I've done about 1500 - 1700 miles on the focus now...

Depends on the condition you're riding it in.

In the wet no time at all, it'll get fubarred in no time at all.

Best way to check is buy a chain checker or measuring device.

I've had a Park version in my tool kit for years

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-chain-checker/

This ones expensive, I'm sure there's other devices that do the same job for less money.

Otherwise take it off and turn it sideways so the plates are horizontal and see how much it droops or sags.

[maviczap]

Here ya go

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ice-Toolz-...ht_1777wt_1344

so my chain might need replacing after 1700 miles? Cycling to work is sodding expensive!

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by krhall

so my chain might need replacing after 1700 miles? Cycling to work is sodding expensive!

Yep, fraid so.

The old way of looking after chains was to take them off and place them in a bath of hot parafin wax, then take it out and let it cool and dry off. But thats such a faff.

Buy a chain cleaner and clean it regularly if its wet, don't do it so much if its dry.

Wet & grit are the chains worst enemy.

Buy some specific wet weather chain lube.

Buy your chains from EBAY as they are much cheaper than the online shops or LBS I think.

You can get 2 for the price of one.

[fizzwheel]

It might, but it might not, they are like motorcycle chains they need regularly cleaning and lubing. Chain on my Look has done 1200 miles and still looks like new. I got nearly 3K out of a 105 chain on my Van Nic...

I havent got a chain checker, I just give the links a wiggle / twist and if there is what I think excessive movement then I swap the chain / cassette / chain rings as appropriate.

IMHO Park Tools Chain Cleaner is well worth the money this comes with chain cleaner and a brush as well

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tools-c...n-cleaner-set/

Remember regular maintenance is less expensive than new chains are !

Would anybody be interested in an 'annual cycle rideout' if organised?

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by EssexDave

Would anybody be interested in an 'annual cycle rideout' if organised?

Would be date dependant for me, but in principle yes I'd be interested.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Would be date dependant for me, but in principle yes I'd be interested.

If it's a yes can people put up dates they can/can't provisionally do for next year.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by EssexDave

Would anybody be interested in an 'annual cycle rideout' if organised?

Yep, same as Fizz

Where though? Always the same problem.

Originally Posted by maviczap

Yep, same as Fizz

Where though? Always the same problem.

I'll have a look at a few rides and a chat with a friend and see.
I think the problem is that we wouldn't actually get that many people!