Ask a Mechanic: When to Replace Your Chain and Why it's so IMPORTANT!

On this episode of Ask a Mechanic Daniel walks you through chain replacement - how to know when to replace your chain and the consequences for waiting too long. He also goes into depth about drivetrain wear as whole and where to spend your money in order to maximize performance and longevity.
This video mainly focuses on SRAM and Shimano chains but the topics covered will be applicable to other drivetrain brands. Also, though we only cover 12-speed chains in the video, the same rules will apply to 8,9,10 and 11 speed drivetrains.
Video Production: Room For Cream Films!

[@billkallas1762]

I prefer using a 12 inch steel rule to measure the chain. Chain checkers can only give you an approximation of how worn the chain is, because they only measure a few links. I use a chain checker to tell me when it's time to get out my 12" rule to make sure the chain is worn.

[@ridetools69]

Thanks for the info. In my situation I have a Race face aluminum chain ring with an xo1 chain. The wear on the chain .05. So I decided to replace the chain. Once I did I had major "Chain rumble" Keep in mind my OG chain was replaced the same time the Race face chain ring was installed. So I put on the old chain and decided to get more use out of the two together for a few more miles hoping not to wear the cassette. This has happened twice now. So in my mind the chain should stick with the chain ring until death do them part. Lol.

[@KevinJames1933]

what is the benefit of the more expensive chains if they wear the drivetrain faster?

[@martinkarlovec]

please upgrade - Shimano Road Components - Where to Spend Your Money