As the saying goes, the only constant in this world is change, and we can say the same thing to your bike chains. This bike component will not last forever, and there will come a time that you need to replace it with a new one as part of your bike maintenance. But how long do bike chains last? The answer to this question largely depends on you as a bike owner since you have a big part in making the bike chain last longer than expected.
For this article, we will discuss the time frame that your bike chain could last on your bicycle. We will also be detailing different factors that will help prolong the lifespan of your bike chain, as well as the reasons that will make it break early. We will also be detailing maintenance tips and other tips to help your bike chain last longer.
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How Many Miles Should a Bike Chain Last
The bike industry’s rule of thumb is that the chain can last from 500 to 5000 miles. But this estimate will all depend on the type of chain you are using and the distance you put on your bike. A biker who occasionally uses his bike can make the bike chain last for a few years, provided that he also must do some maintenance. Now, if you are a biker that uses the bike almost every day in rugged terrain, then there is a good chance that you will change your bike chain more often.
Also, maintaining is essential if you want to increase the longevity of the bike chain. But, other situational issues can make your bike chain break or snap during the ride. For example, if you are riding a very tough ride where navigating rugged terrain and difficult road conditions is in your itinerary, it can make the bike chain suddenly snap or break. The more you use your bike to different road conditions, the faster the chance for the bike chain to wear out or break.
On the contrary, if you are using the bike once in a blue moon while taking care of it all the time will make it last longer. It can probably last for 5 to 6 years or probably more. That is if you are doing everything, including the proper maintenance of the bike chain. But, the most common longevity tenure of a bike chain is around 2 to 3 years if you are consistently using it on the road.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of the Bike Chain
The longevity of the bike chain will all depend on several factors which can help him last or break down quickly. Factors such as the type of chain, maintenance, and the biker’s riding style can help determine how long the chain will last on your bike.
The Chain Type
The type of chain in your bike can affect how long the bike chain will last. The standard bike chain is composed of alloy steel and carbon. There are also other bike chains that are made up of other metals, such as chrome and titanium. Usually, these materials look good physically, which means they can enhance the look of the bike.
There are types of chains that are made to last longer than the others. Of course, those bike chains which are more expensive should last longer compared to the cheapest ones. Usually, those expensive bike chains come in excellent quality and use durable materials during the construction process. As a bike owner, it will be up to you to find the chain that you think will fit your bike and will also fit your budget.
The Bike Maintenance
Doing proper maintenance of your bike chains can go a long way in making it last longer to your bike. The key is to lubed up your chain regularly. The lubricant will help keep the bike running smoothly but also helps in maintaining the condition of the bike chain always to ensure a smooth ride. Making your bike chain properly lubricated will help in keeping the vehicle always move forward. Meanwhile, a dry chain can become brittle and could break quickly on the road.
Cleaning your bike chain at least once a month is also essential to ensure that your bike chain lasts longer. It will be better if you wipe your chain entirely before doing the lubrication process. This action will help the bike chain become slippery, making the ride more accessible and more comfortable. Also, proper lubrication also will make the bike looks tidy to other people.
The Riding Style
The riding style can be attributed to the type of bike you own and where it is being used. So, owning a mountain bike that is frequently used on rugged terrain can be a significant factor in the lifespan of the bike chain. Whereas, if you own a road bike that is commonly used on a standard or smooth road, there is a good chance that the bike chain will last longer.
The riding style can also be attributed to the cadence you ride at. If you are not familiar, the cadence is the number of times the crank will rotate per minute. When you are always riding in a high cadence which means riding in a lower gear, it will put lower stress which also mean wear out of the chain can be longer. On the other hand, riding your bike consistently on high gear can cause consistent stress to the bike chain that can cause faster wear out, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
Conclusion
How long do bike chains last will depend on the different factors involved in this part of the bicycle. Choosing the correct type of bike chain, doing the proper maintenance, and the riding style can all contribute to the longevity of the bike chain. Doing proper maintenance should be the key to make your bike chain last longer. After all, once you take care of your bike, the bike will also take care of you in return.