Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the September Giveaway to Win the Luckeep X1 Pro ebike


Measuring Chain stretch
#1
My bike repair shop says that chain stretch should be measured with the chain under 'medium' tension.
I'm not sure how you would do this using the '12-inch ruler' method described in the video on this site. Does the chain need to be under tension when measuring?
My gut tells me the bike shop may be saying this to simulate the chain under stress/in heavy use, but their methods are leading me to a LOT of chain/cassette replacements in the last year. I do ride every day, in all kinds of weather (rain, sun, etc), but I clean and lube the chain each month. (I ride about 5K per year).
thanks.

  Reply
#2
The chain needs to be held tight enough that each joint is held solid and straight, but not under any load. I just push lightly with my hand on a pedal while I'm measuring. If there's no tension on it, each link could have a slight bend which would mess up your reading. But chains don't "stretch", so I don't think you'd get a different reading under light or heavy tension.
I usually let the chain go a little longer than the normal recommendation, but I also change chain and cassette at the same time routinely. I'm probably putting more wear on my front chainrings, but it hasn't been a problem. Changing chain and cassette more than twice a year seems a little excessive. But it does vary a lot by how much you ride, conditions, how forceful you are, etc.

  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
14,148
02-24-2017, 02:15 AM
Last Post: LorindaCollins
 
11,083
12-27-2010, 09:49 AM
Last Post: bobtravers
 
12,771
04-07-2009, 08:15 PM
Last Post: DaveM

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
How to keep your bicycle safe?
10-04-2024 09:34 AM
Call of nature while riding?
10-04-2024 05:50 AM
Northeast of India or Myanmar rides
10-04-2024 05:31 AM
Why Do My Cycling Stats Feel Inaccurate ...
10-03-2024 12:37 AM
Shimano Deore cassette with SRAM Apex me...
10-03-2024 12:35 AM
Change comes hard in the cycling communi...
10-03-2024 12:29 AM
Pogacar wins UCI Road Bike World Champio...
10-03-2024 12:26 AM
1 New Knobbly Tire... Front or Back?
10-01-2024 08:06 PM
MTB Night Lighting - What are recommenda...
10-01-2024 07:59 PM
COLNAGO SUPER (unknown year)
09-29-2024 07:29 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
20 posts
no avatar 2. Jesper
20 posts
no avatar 3. Flowrider
17 posts
no avatar 4. rydabent
13 posts
no avatar 5. meamoantonio
12 posts