Post #4023736
2026-07-23 01:21 UTC
I've heard that bike chains stretch over time, but i never really gave it much thought. For the last few months, my bike has not been running smoothly. I tried oiling things, changing the length of the chain, changing the derailer, changing the derailer tension, putting a sealed bottom bracket on.
Nothing worked! The chain still felt clunky going around.
This afternoon, it dawned on me they the chain might be stretched out. Sure enough
Here's the new chain and the old chain side by side. Lined up at one end and completely out of sync 18 inches further down.
I guess that's what 6,000 miles does to a chain.
Replies (2)
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@ericm@infosec.exchange 2026-07-23 01:29
@MLE_online@social.afront.org with that much wear the cassette cogs and chainrings may be worn out too. Even if the new chain runs ok on them, the worn parts will make the new chain wear out faster. I like to replace chains before they're worn out. Like at .75 on the Park chain checker or at the first sign of deteriorating shifting. The cassettes and chainrings last longer that way, and they're usually much more expensive than chains.
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@RueNahcMohr@infosec.exchange 2026-07-23 04:31
@MLE_online@social.afront.org can you feel slop in each link? I'm curious if its just the chain eating thru its pins.