Chain stretch happens on every bike, giving your bike chains a worn-out status. It is inevitable and will cause you many shifting problems if you don’t take measures.
Typically, a bike chain lasts for 3-4 years if you consider time. And as for mileage, a chain functions smoothly up to 2000 to 3000 miles on average. But for reasons like accidents or rough usage, a bike chain might wear out before its limit.
And when it gets worn out before its lifespan, you wonder about the reasons behind it and try to figure out the solution. Don’t worry, as this article will portray the reasons behind worn-out chains and all the possible ways of testing them, you can easily figure out: how long do bike chains last?
So, without wasting any second, let us find out.
Contents
How Long Do Bike Chains Last?
Before moving into the lifespan of bike chains, you should know that each type of bike comes with different functionality. And that also affects the kind of chains used in the bikes.
People don’t use every bike the same way, and the usage impacts the lifespan of their chains. Below here are some common bike types and the lifespan of the chains used in them:
| Type of Bike | Chain Life Expectancy (miles) |
| Road Bike | 2000–5000 |
| Mountain Bike | 500–1500 |
| Electric Bike | 2000–3000 |
| Touring Bike | 3000–8000 |
| Folding Bike | 500–2000 |
Road Bikes
People use road bikes the most mainly for their versatility and easy usage. They are highly suited for use on paved roads and last for a considerable period. It goes the same for the type of chains used in them.
Usually, those chains have a life span ranging from 2000 to 5000 miles.
Since the road bikes are primarily used on smooth roads, there is less stress on the chains. Hence, they tend to last long.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes go through many rough and stressful situations compared to road bikes. A mountain biker has to pass through rough terrains, which takes a toll on the chains. As a result, the chain lifespan of mountain bikes is around 500 to 1500 miles.
Electric Bikes
The usage of electric bikes is almost similar to road bikes. They are more suited to smooth and paved pathways. That said, just like road bikes, they have a moderate to higher lifespan. The chains in them have an expectancy of 2000 to 3000 miles, but it depends on the frequency of the usage and the types of your e-bike. For instance, an e-bike for food delivery has a higher lifespan than a mountain e-bike. Moreover, with continuous maintenance, the span can also be increased.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are used for longer rides. They are built to ensure durability and long-lastingness.
The chains in them have the longest lifespan among all the types. Usually, they last around 3000 -8000 miles.
Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are used for compactness and portability. These are easy means of commuting and can be stored anywhere within a small space.
That said, the types of chains used in them are also different.
This type of chain is known as the Brompton chain, and they come with a chain life expectancy of 500 – 2000 miles.
What Factors Affect How Long Do Bike Chains Last?
Bike chains do not get worn out all by themselves. After continuous usage, there is a lot of stretching visible in them, which is due to the stress they go through.
Some specific factors play a part in the long-lastingness of the bike chains. Below are some most notable factors:
Weather Conditions
The weather and climate do have a significant impact on how the bike chain would function and its lifespan. Generally, dry conditions are more suited for the chains as nothing gets stuck in between.
Especially riding dry paved roads have a significantly less impact on the chains. In contrast, wet weather has the opposite effect. The bike gets heavily drenched in rainy conditions, and the chains often get stuck with dirt and mud.
In such scenarios, regular and proper cleaning is a must. And after you clean them, you need to dry them as early as possible. Or else, there are high chances of the chains getting rusted.
Road Types
The road type does have a considerable impact on the lifespan of the chains.
The bike goes through rough and tough conditions more often when you go off-road. At the same time, on-road riding means that the bike runs in a smooth shape.
Chains get worn out faster when you ride off-road more often than on-road. The reason is the unstable conditions or dirt that take a toll on the chains.
Riding Type and Weight
When you ride at high speed and take on considerable weight, the stress is higher on the chains.
Carrying a weight higher than the capability is always harmful to the bike and its components. It also makes riding difficult. That said, the uneven distribution of the weight on the tires does hurt the bike chains. It eventually makes them prone to wearing out quickly.
How Do I Know if My Bike Chain Needs Replacement?
A bike chain having a certain lifespan doesn’t mean that it will get worn out after covering that distance or a specific time. Some specific tests are there to determine whether your bike chains need to be replaced. Here are specific tests to determine if it is a must to replace bike chains:
Manual Test
This is the most basic way to determine whether your bike chain needs a change. To apply this method, you can try the following processes:
- Shift the chain on the front chainring and make sure that the chain lies on the tiniest clog.
- Try lifting the chain from the chainring using your fingers. If the lifting is smooth and enough space, you must replace the chain.
The Distance Rule
Usually, the average lifespan of any bike chain is about 2000-3000 miles. It is considered that when a bike covers this much distance, it becomes mandatory for the biker to replace the chains.
As a rider, if you have traveled to locations with no snow or harsh conditions, you should safely change the chains after traveling 2000 to 3000 miles.
Ruler Method
This is one of the most straightforward rules to check whether chains need replacement. All you need is a ruler with which you can measure the length.
After continuous traveling, the bike chains wear out, and they stretch to a certain point. You need to place the ruler on one of the ends of the rivets and check whether the ruler coincides with the 12-inch mark.
If it overlaps, there are no issues with the chain. But if it doesn’t, then your chain needs a replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace your Bike Chains?
If you have made up your mind about changing the bike chains, there are two types of costs that you would incur. One is the cost of the parts, and another is the mechanic cost.
Parts Cost
Well, the price of a chain varies among different types. Depending on the type of bike, you need to buy bike-specific chains. Usually, the ones that undertake the stress and last longer cost more.
But on average, irrespective of the type of chains, it would cost you something between $10 to $90. On the other hand, the tools like pliers or wrenches would cost you around $15 to $20, and lubricants for $10.
Mechanic Cost
If you don’t want to fix the chain all by yourself, you need to spend a small amount on mechanic costs. Irrespective of the type of chains and bikes, it would incur you $10 to $15 on an average.
Conclusion
Bike chains are one of the most crucial parts that help a lot in the riding performance. Having less stretched and smooth chains ensure that your riding is easygoing.
But if these chains aren’t taken care of, they will lose the ability to perform up to the optimum level. As a result of neglect, there can be situations where you would feel that money you spent on the chains isn’t worth it.
That’s why it is better to know how to identify the issues relevant to bike chains and the perfect time for their replacement. We hope that this article was successful in addressing the problems mentioned above, and now you have a complete idea about how long do bike chains last? Still, if you feel anything is left out, do let us know.
