How Many Miles Will A Road Bike Chain Last (Before Serving Or Replacing)?
As a child, the worst feeling was getting on your bike, and as you pushed off, the snapping sound of the bike chain left you feeling ice cold. I assumed a bike chain would last until it snaps, but how many miles will a road bike chain last before needing a service or replacement?
A road bike chain will last between 1800 and 5000 miles before it needs replacement. A regular cyclist will get more miles from the chain than a cyclist who rides competitively. Factors determining a replacement are hard peddling that causes stretching, lack of maintenance, and rust.
Bike chains are uncomplicated and have several parts that keep them together. However, a road bike chain can become weaker and worn out with time and exposure to the elements.
Why A Road Bike Chain Has Limited Use?
Road bike chains are strong, durable, and won’t break easily. Road bike chains are made to last at least 5000 miles under general cycling conditions. That can change over time as the chain shows wear and tear.
Unlike the frame of the bike that is built to last a
If you cycle every day for several miles, you can expect the chain on your road bike to weaken. Here are some reasons your chain may not last 5000 miles –
Will Cycling On Flat Terrain Make Your Bike Chain Last Longer?
Cycling on a flat surface or terrain will make your road bike chain last significantly longer, even if you live in a hilly suburb or neighborhood.
Peddling harder to get up steep inclines will put more pressure on the drivetrain and chain, but it’s a smoother action than navigating an offroad path.
A road bike will not typically be used as an off-road bike like a mountain bike, so the chain will not be subjected to as much dust, small rocks, and debris. In addition, the bike will not shake and vibrate, so the chain’s tension is stable.
When Should You Replace Your Road Bike Chain?
If you cycle more than 200 miles a month, you should check your road bike chain at least once every 30 days. Here are things you can look for and inspect:
- Dirt, mud, or tar build up on the chain
- Rust or pitting
- Looseness
A good clean-up of the chain should reveal any significant issues, but typically, a new chain will need a wash, dry, and oil to prevent rust and provide lubrication.
If your road bike chain slips when you paddle, is noticeably stretched, and cannot be shortened any further, it is time to replace it with a new chain.
What Does A New Road Bike Chain Cost?
Depending on your bike size and the brand, bike chains for a road bike can cost as little as $10 to just over $100.
If you do regular maintenance on the chain, your road bike chain will only need replacement once every 12 months. Buying individual bushings can cost between $1 and $10 each, depending on the brand, quality, and size.
How To Know If Your Road Bike Chain Is Worn Out?
A new road bike chain will be tight and smooth, and your paddling will be easy. As you go through the gears, the changes will be effortless. Unfortunately, other moving parts can cause the chain to become worn out faster as the miles pile up.
Things to look for that will indicate a worn-out chain are as follows:
- Looseness around the gears
- A worn-out drivetrain – teeth on the disks are stump
- Bushings that seem wider than others
- A crack in one of the bushings
- A loose pin – this will cause the chain to slip or come apart
Besides the visual signs, you will feel the difference in the bike’s performance. There may even be noises from the chain as it goes through the gears.
A chain can be repaired easily by replacing stretched or rusted bushings, saving you time and money.
Once a chain is stretched beyond repair, it is best for your safety and the overall performance of the road bike that you replace the entire chain.
The Best Lubricant For A Road Bike Chain
The best lubricant for your road bike chain will be a personal choice, but some lubricants may work better in different climates. The different types of lubricants for road bike chains are:
- Wax based lubricant
- Dry lubricant
- Wet lubricant
- Gel membrane wax – between wet and dry
How would you know which to use with so many different types of wax? Here is a straightforward guide to help you choose the correct wax for your road bike chain:
- Dry climates and desert areas – Dry lubricants
- Wet environments and high humidity areas – Wet lubricants
- Temperate climates, wet, dry and cold weather – Wax-based lubricants
- All weather conditions – Gel-based lubricant
How Often Should I Lubricate My Road Bike Chain?
If you cycle daily, you should lubricate your road bike chain weekly. Always clean the chain before you lubricate to remove any dust or debris that could get trapped by the lubricant.
Using a dry brush, go over the chain and scrub between the bushings. If the bike chain is filthy, a good wash with the recommended soap and warm water will clean it thoroughly. Dry well afterward and lubricate as directed.
Let it stand for a few minutes if you use a wet, gel, or wax lubricant. Then, dry off any excess lubricant with a dry cloth to prevent it from splashing onto your clothes or shoes.
Not Replacing A Worn Out Road Bike Chain – The Consequences
If you cycle past 5000 miles, what will happen if the chain is not stretched or broken? Riding the bike will become dangerous as the chain will start to slip as you change gears. The chain can snap, and you may have an accident.
A slipping chain can damage the whole drivetrain, which is significantly more expensive to replace.
Keep a log of how many miles you cycle per day, week and month to allow you enough time to plan to service your road bike.
As you approach 2000 cycling miles, you should take the chain off the bike, clean it, and thoroughly inspect it. Replace the chain if necessary.
Conclusion
A road bike chain should be serviced regularly to get a maximum of 5000 miles of use. If you notice changes that can be fixed, do it immediately to prevent the problem from getting more extensive.
Replace your road bike chain immediately if it is worn out, stretched beyond repair, or you feel unsafe on your road bike.
