#8
Post
by Svend » Mon Jul 08, 2013 8:14 pm
Hi Paul,
It s impossible to say how many K you should get out of your chain because it depends on so many factors, predominantly riding conditions and maintenance. The thing with chains is that once they are worn they start wearing out the cogs and chainrings at an alarming rate. This isn't a big deal if you don't use multiple wheelsets because everything will wear together and work OK until you get decreased shifting performance and the chain starts skipping, which is when you definitely have to exchange both chain, cogs and chainrings. If you use more than one set of wheels the problem is that a worn chain will destroy a perfectly good cassette in no time. So it's much better to exchange the chain before it stretches significantly. You can get a chain gauge like the Rohloff Caliber to monitor your chain.
There are several approaches to this, some of them semi religious, but i personally think it is best to see chains as disposable items and replace them rather sooner than later ("A" side of the Rohloff thingy). That way the life of cogs and chainrings is extended dramatically and your drivetrain performs ideally at all times.
At 5000K without maintenance your chain, cassette, chainrings are probably beyond salvation. A new chain won't work with worn teeth, you need to replace everything.
PS.: Regarding wet maintenance i forgot to mention that you want to lube the pivot points on the derailleurs and brakes too. Always wipe excess lube off the chain and pivot points or it'll attract dirt.
Cheers, Svend
