Can we talk about the 10,000 mile chain life claim?

I just hit 4,500 miles on my original chain and it's still measuring fine with my Park Tool CC-4 gauge. Everyone says to replace at 3,000, but I clean and lube it every 150 miles without fail. Has anyone else gotten way more life with strict cleaning?

2 comments

2 Comments

claire9992d ago

My buddy swears he got over 8,000 miles on a chain once. He was nuts about cleaning it after every wet ride though, like full degrease and re-lube. His cassette was totally shot by the end, but the chain itself held up.

brian_kelly912d ago

Sounds impressive, but that story points to a common mix-up. The chain wear likely ruined the cassette, not the other way around. A worn chain acts like a file, grinding down the teeth until they won't hold a new chain. His cleaning routine might have saved the chain links, but the damage was already done to the cassette.