Chain issues

Hi all!

After snapping my chain twice in one week, I thought I'd ask for some advice...

How often should I be replacing the chain? (last replaced sept last year + I fitted a new cassette)

What is a good replacement?

What lube should I be using around the woods at this time of year? Currently I use GT85 as it's cheap!

After a chain snaps, is it then bin fodder, or can I carry on riding it after I've re-joined it?


I've never snapped chains in the past, but now that I've started riding a lot more, and training properly I don't want it to happen often. I am attacking short climbs with much more aggression now, and both time that has been the point when the failure happened. Am I trying to push too high a gear?

Cheers for your help peeps - I'll stop rambling now

Steve

Steve,

In my opinion you only need to replace the chain when it is worn i.e. starts to skip etc.

Where is your chain snapping as it's very unusual for it to happen twice in a week? Is it at the point where the chain was originally joined? If so it could be user error

I can't imagine that too higher gear is causing this.

You don't need to bin a snapped chain, just use a SRAM powerlink to rejoin. These work on SRAM and Shimano chains.

As for what to replace with, personal preference really.

GT85 isn't a lube. Its basically WD40 with a bit of teflon added. Keep this for your cables and displacing water after you've cleaned the bike and before you lube it.

You need some proper Winter lube i.e. White Lightning Epic, Finish Line cross country.

Again, just personal preference as to what people use.

Steve, are you sure you are joinging the chian correctly? If it breaks that often you are either a) very unlucky, b) joinging it incorrectly or c) you have thighs like Arnie....

I've seen you with shorts on so you can rule out c)

If you are using the pin that you got with it, make sure you are splitting it at the male loop, not the female. Also as Jase said, GT85 is not a lube, its simply something to get rid of the water. Use a dry wax this time of year up the woods.

Nath

Another vote for the above. I have snapped two chains in my off-road life - both down to operator error in the joining.

I use GT-85 to polish and protect the frame (and a light coating on the fork stantions applied with rag). I keep it well away from moving parts.

Chain wear I check with a simple park tool http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=19&item=CC-3 after most rides and replace early. I have only replaced cassette and chainrings once in about five years whereas I have replaced the chain about 7/8 times. A badly worn chain will quickly damage the other components. IMHO it is more cost effective to change a £15 chain early than continue riding on it until skipping starts and then replace chain with cassettte and chainrings.

Pete