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PedalBench / Chain wear

Workshop

Replace a worn chain before it eats the rest of the drivetrain.

Pick a practical chain-checker threshold, then inspect the cassette, chainring and chain tool instructions before ordering parts.

Different chain checkers read differently. Follow your checker manufacturer’s instructions and the drivetrain brand’s current recommendation where it is more specific.

What “stretch” means

It is mostly pin-and-bushing wear.

Chains do not normally elongate like elastic. Wear at the bearing surfaces increases pitch, which stops the rollers seating cleanly on the teeth. Replacing the chain at a conservative threshold is usually much cheaper than replacing a chain, cassette and chainring together.

Keep a record of mileage, conditions and measurements. A new chain that skips can reveal that the cassette was already worn.