Categories: The Bikes

That New Chain Feeling

Chain Breaker. photo-Cor Vos

I replace my chain every year, more or less. It tends toward less as I don’t have a set anniversary for new chains. Usually I notice the shifting is lagging a second and it dawns on me that the chain is in need of replacement. In my youth I would keep the same chain on the bike forever. I even used to take it off, and reinstall it inside out (?!) thinking…thinking that I was a cheap idiot. The result of that was the rear cogs were always ruined too, reinforcing the cheap idiot thing. Since replacing the chain on a yearly basis I’ve never had to replace a cassette. I’ve heard that the Fabian Cancellara’s of the pro peloton get a new chain once a week. The pros are fifty-two times more mighty.

This most recent chain replacement had me using a Campagnolo Chorus chain I had attempted to install on another bike and failed. I shamefully put the chain on a shelf until I had stocked up on Campagnolo’s special bullet shaped, don’t drop this on the shop floor or you will never find it, you only get one shot at this, very special chain pin. Maybe it’s like redoing your handlebar tape or filing taxes; these jobs only done once a year never go perfectly. Installing the Campagnolo chain is like what I imagine arming a field tactical nuclear weapon is like. It is cramped. It requires small hands. It requires excellent vision. It requires mechanical skills and you only get one shot at it. Luckily, for me, the whole mess was contained with a KMC 11-speed quick link, whew, done and dusted.

My point is, when one changes just one component on one’s bike, the change is very noticeable, The first few pedal strokes out on the road with a new chain is a subtle revelation. It feels different. It feels better. Damn it feels excellent.

Or is it all in the mind. This article was linked in the Velominati posts a while back. In a world full of anecdotal evidence I do enjoy an article where our perceptions are put to the test. Maybe my new chain feeling is all in my head? Who cares, I can still enjoy it and “in my head” is where enjoyment happens anyway.

Gianni

Gianni has left the building.

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View Comments

Jamie says:

Apr 27 2015 at 4:11 pm

I think if you only change your chain once a year, you are not riding enough :-)

I change mine every 3,000km which is about 4 times per year.
unversio says:

Apr 27 2015 at 5:53 pm

Usually change Campa 10s chain, chain rings, and cassette all coordinated together. Used stuff hangs around the shop. A used Record chain is rigged as the pull on a overhead workbench light.
unversio says:

Apr 27 2015 at 6:01 pm

@Hein

My chains (Ultegra or DA) last about 3000 to 5000 km. I replace them when my Park Tool checker tells me to.

I am relatively new to this site, but isn’t all the talk about miles against at least one rule?

@TBONE

I’ve heard of this method before. Is it effective in wet conditions?

Reminds me to check for stretch next time I clean the drivetrain. I will never discuss miles gone past. Miles behind me are forgotten (lessons during miles -- not forgotten) and the only miles that matter to me are the ones I still need to ride.
Ccos says:

Apr 27 2015 at 6:42 pm

@DeKerr

@Hein

It’s all the “bloody yanks” on this site that keep messing with the measurements. You’ll notice that @TBONE uses the correct metric for calculating distance, as well as demonstrating a significant level of meticulousness in the care of his drivetrain.

Hey now, easy on the name calling. I'll have you know we know 1 and 2 liters quite well since we buy our sugary drinks in those volumes and we would have no idea of what a pound of cocaine looks like on the television since the cops use the metric system there when telling us what they caught various miscreants with. The whole distance bit has been a bit slow on my 'Merican brethren. And as an avowed (but currently misplaced) Southerner, I'll have you know we find it rather quaint when you use the term "Yank" (a contraction of Yankee) to describe us all.
piwakawaka says:

Apr 27 2015 at 6:52 pm

DA 9000 chain - 3500km tops, nothing, nothing, like shimano factory grease, I get 100km plus before I have to use lube- to clean the chain. Clean it with a rag, lube it and clean all the lube off with a rag, golden.
wilburrox says:

Apr 27 2015 at 6:58 pm

@JohnB

A new chain is indeed a wonderful thing. No matter how often you clean and lube there is something extra slick and silent about a new one. What grease do the manufacturers put on them before packaging?

Once a year though? I couldn’t wait that long except on the fixed because it’s 1/8th. Twice a year on the #1 and hardtail, every 3 months max on the wet/ winter bike. It’s been a long while since I too purchased a new cassette and the Park CC3.2 chain checker has been worth every penny of the £6 it was when purchased back in the day.

To me chains are a throwaway consumable, a pleasing item to change out and saving money elsewhere, Dura Ace on the #1, 105 on the others.

That's a lot of chain changing. How 'bout tires? I go thru tires a lot more frequently than I do chains. Tires I like to change. But dang, I don't change a chain as often as you are. The again, must be the Di2 ! Flawless shifts every time... couldn't resist. Cheers all
Barracuda says:

Apr 28 2015 at 12:36 am

@Owen

Speaking of cheap idiot, when I changed the chain for the first time on the now #1 I cheaped out and got the SRAM chain for an Ultegra gruppo-san. Wouldn’t you know it never shifted right until I finally bought the more expensive but correct chain. On the bright side, constantly troubleshooting shifting problems *did* allow me to find a crack in the frame that was subsequently covered by the Fuji warranty.

Do tell of the Fuji warranty re said crack. I have a paint crack that went for warranty on my SST and they said it was superficial and no structural damage. Im left wondering whats gone on beneath the paint crack to cause it ?
bea says:

Apr 28 2015 at 12:40 am

@JohnB

A new chain is indeed a wonderful thing. No matter how often you clean and lube there is something extra slick and silent about a new one. What grease do the manufacturers put on them before packaging?

If (big if!) I'm informed correctly, it's lanolin.
RobSandy says:

Apr 28 2015 at 1:06 am

I changed the first chain out of my first Nr#1 after 1000kms. I wonder if that was a bit soon, but also wonder if it was quite a cheap chain installed at the factory (like, sub 105 standard).

I now have an Ultegra chain on and it just seems to be a bit smoother, cleaner, etc than the original. So hopefully, especially now summer is here, I'll get a lot more life out of it. Must get me a chain checker.
RobSandy says:

Apr 28 2015 at 1:11 am

@bea

If (big if!) I’m informed correctly, it’s lanolin.

"Lanolin?! Like sheep's wool?!"

Sorry, can't help myself.