Is my chain worn?

J

Joe_MTB

Likes Dirt
Was giving my drivetrain a bit of a tweak yesterday and generally got everything running nice and smoothly again, but I did notice something when shifting into the top cog (40t).

When the chain enters the cog from the upper pulley it sits slightly out of the teeth for the first 90 degrees or so before dropping down into it.

My first thought is a worn chain, but it's only 9 months old of weekend riding so seems a bit premature. I generally keep my chain pretty clean and well lubed. I don't spend much time in the 40t either and it doesn't look at all worn.

Does this sound like a worn chain?

It's an XTR chain on XTR 11sp cassette (race face chainring) if this makes any difference
 
Maybe. Wouldn't hurt to also check that your derailleur lines up with the large cog and isn't slightly off.
 
If you don't have a chain checker use a ruler and measure 24 links. Should be 12 inches. If it's 1/8th out then it's in that 1% wear range and probably due for replacement. :wave:
 
Joe_MTB said:
It's an XTR chain on XTR 11sp cassette (race face chainring) if this makes any difference
Click to expand...

Grab a chain measuring tool for about $5, stick one on your next online order from basically any shop. Definitely worth having one as you'll only wreck 1 XTR cassette before you buy one anyway.

I wore an X0 out a few years back when they were mega $$$, its never happened since.
 
Cheers guys

Yep, I've just ordered a tool but I'll try measuring in the meantime. Will also try resetting my rear mech
 
ozzybmx said:
Grab a chain measuring tool for about $5, stick one on your next online order from basically any shop. Definitely worth having one as you'll only wreck 1 XTR cassette before you buy one anyway.

I wore an X0 out a few years back when they were mega $$$, its never happened since.
Click to expand...

Save you $5.00 and use that old 12 inch ruler you are guaranteed to have lying around home. Measure 24 links, if it is in excess of 12 & 1/8 between pins the chain is dead.

Hundreds of threads all over the web on this but chain checkers made by the likes of Park Tools shit me to tears.
Just an excuse to get you to buy a tool that is pointless except to put your money in their pocket.
ALL cycle chains are made to a pitch of 1/2 inch [I.E. the distance between pins]. If you use a steel 12 inch ruler and measure between pins not only are you getting a larger sample size [I.E. better and more consistent results] but you save your money AND get something useful for more things that measuring a chain!
 
Jeffgre_6163 said:
Save you $5.00 and use that old 12 inch ruler you are guaranteed to have lying around home. Measure 24 links, if it is in excess of 12 & 1/8 between pins the chain is dead.

Hundreds of threads all over the web on this but chain checkers made by the likes of Park Tools shit me to tears.
Just an excuse to get you to buy a tool that is pointless except to put your money in their pocket.
ALL cycle chains are made to a pitch of 1/2 inch [I.E. the distance between pins]. If you use a steel 12 inch ruler and measure between pins not only are you getting a larger sample size [I.E. better and more consistent results] but you save your money AND get something useful for more things that measuring a chain!
Click to expand...
Can I use my plastic carpenters ruler?
 
So while waiting for my chain checker to arrive I tried measuring the chain. Looks like I've got about 1/16" stretch over the 12". Sounds like it should a least be still running ok so I'll spend a bit of time setting up the derailleur again.
Might order a new chain anyway just to be on the safe side. I'd rather the $50 on a chain than $200+ on a cassette. At least it isn't SRAM...
 
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