Chain needing replacement after only 500 miles?

[bikeman242]

I

If you read the article I cited, they conclude that

"And Shimano users shouldn’t see much reason to stray, either. Shimano chains are seemingly the most efficient on the market while also offering decent durability. Yes, there are more durable chains which are almost as fast (such as YBN), but these may only be worth the extra expense if you’re in the chain waxing clan. If you’re sticking with Shimano 11-speed, I’d say it’s worth upgrading your Shimano chain to at least an Ultegra level, and if efficiency matters to you, then Dura-Ace is worth the extra."

Note that the efficiency edge on the Dura-Acece chain is only .5 watts. I think the Ultegra chain is the best bet in terms of durability, cost and efficiency, for your XT 11 speed, 11-46 set up which is the same as mine on both my CUbe trouing Hybrid and y Riese & Muller Delight Mountain.

I did read the article - thanks for that link. Very helpful.

The description for the Shimano Dura-Ace reads:

"Hollow pins on the HG901 increase lightness, but the chain is still strong enough to handle the high-torque of electric motors for use in e-bike applications."

So it seems the Dura-Ace is suited for eBikes, but the Ultegra chain lacks that eBike comment.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

SHIMANO STEPS E6000 11-Speed Super Narrow E-BIKE Chain | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

The HG701-11 chain is directional and features SIL-TEC treatment on the roller link plate and pin link plate for increased durability. It is compatible with 11-speed road, MTB, and E-BIKES thanks to its reinforced design.

bike.shimano.com

 

[bikeman242]

SHIMANO STEPS E6000 11-Speed Super Narrow E-BIKE Chain | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

The HG701-11 chain is directional and features SIL-TEC treatment on the roller link plate and pin link plate for increased durability. It is compatible with 11-speed road, MTB, and E-BIKES thanks to its reinforced design.

bike.shimano.com

I was literally just about to post that. Just saw that the Ultegra also has that eBike qualification. So is this the correct chain to order?

Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain [ICNHG70111126Q]

Shimanos CN-HG701 11 Speed XT/Ultegra Chain features precise, reliable construction ensuring long life, smooth shifting and durable performance on your road, gravel or mountain bike.

www.biketiresdirect.com

@Alaskan @Stefan Mikes

 

[Stefan Mikes]

No reason not to.

 

[Alaskan]

I was literally just about to post that. Just saw that the Ultegra also has that eBike qualification. So is this the correct chain to order?

Shimano Ultegra/XT CN-HG701 11-Speed Chain [ICNHG70111126Q]

Shimanos CN-HG701 11 Speed XT/Ultegra Chain features precise, reliable construction ensuring long life, smooth shifting and durable performance on your road, gravel or mountain bike.

www.biketiresdirect.com

@Alaskan @Stefan Mikes

I guess I have not been clear. After much reading, personal testing and record keeping, the Ultegra 701 is what I use on my 11 speed. My newest ride, a Trek Allant 9.9s has the Shimano 12 speed so I am eager to see if they have made improvements to chain life with the latest generation.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I was literally just about to post that. Just saw that the Ultegra also has that eBike qualification. So is this the correct chain to order?

There is an improved version and I have been very happy with it.
Check this out:

SHIMANO STEPS E8000 11-Speed Super Narrow E-BIKE Chain | SHIMANO BIKE-EU

For use with the SHIMANO STEPS E8000 group, the HG-X11 chain features SHIMANO's SIL-TEC surface treatment on the pin and roller link plate for improved durability on 11-speed drivetrains.

bike.shimano.com

It is the next level of HG-701 and is designed for Shimano E-8000 series mid-motors.

 

[Malcontent]

Measure using a ruler or 3-point tool. Anything else will register much more wear than there actually is.

 

[Smong]

Does anyone have the actual specs handy for 9 through 12 speed chains so that I can use calipers to measure for wear? I have a 10 speed Shimano Deore set up on my Bafang Ultramax bike and expect it to wear out chains fast. Thanks

 

[fooferdoggie]

just buy this tool dirt cheap and easy https://smile.amazon.com/Park-Tool-...words=park+tools+chain&qid=1584797561&sr=8-15

 

[Smong]

Thanks for the link. I really can't justify paying that kind of money for something that can be done with tools that I already have, namely measuring scales and/or calipers.
Maybe I'll just order a replacement chain now and pull the measurements directly off it...
A quick search turned up Smorgasborg's link to the cycling tips article that has everything to know about chains...

 

[bikeman242]

I lost so much money in the stock market this week that I just said screw it and paid the extra 15 bucks for the Dura-ace.

THanks to all for your support in this thread.

 

[steve mercier]

Thanks guys, so is the Shimano dura-ace/xtr cn-hg901 my best option for an 11speed Shimano chain?

Shimano Dura-Ace/XTR CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain [ICNHG90111116Q]

The Shimano Dura Ace / XTR CN-HG901 11-Speed Chain features an asymmetric plate design and an ultra-low friction SIL-TEC surface treatment for higher performance and longer life.

www.biketiresdirect.com

My gearing is: 1x11 Shimano Deore XT Derailleur with One-Way Clutch, Shimano Cassette 11-46 Tooth. This is a mountain bike.

That is what I have too. What bike do you have?

 

[RabH]

I am just about to change my 5th chain at 7,700 miles, I have let this last one go past 0.75 as I'm going to change the cassette this time! No skipping at all so far which I'm very happy with, I use KMC chains as I have never had a problem with them! I think my best was almost 2,000 miles which was in summer and my worst was just over 1,000 miles in winter! Very expensive having to replace a chain every 500 miles

 

[indianajo]

Thanks for the link. I really can't justify paying that kind of money for something that can be done with tools that I already have, namely measuring scales and/or calipers.
Maybe I'll just order a replacement chain now and pull the measurements directly off it...
A quick search turned up Smorgasborg's link to the cycling tips article that has everything to know about chains...

The width doesn't change when they wear out, the length does. So stretch out 16 links and see if it is exactly 8.00". The length has been 1/2" since skip link chain was abandoned in the 1940's.
I lost so much money in the stock market my Ford stock is paying 34% dividends. I sold half my stock in January when China shut down Wuhan. Didn't take a secret briefing from the CIA in February to see the writing on the wall. Irrational exuberance, massive panic, the stock market is usually one way or the other. I buy during massive panics.

 

[bikeman242]

The danger with ignoring a worn chain is that the rear cassette cogs will then start to wear, which will result in a more expensive replacement than just replacing the chain.

Here's more than you wanted to know about chains and chain checkers: https://cyclingtips.com/2019/08/bicycle-chain-wear-and-checking-for-it/

I don't know which Parks chain checker the OP has, but for many checkers, roller movement or pin wear can dramatically affect readings and thus show an OK chain as worn. Thee OP is correct that generally 11 and 12 speed chains have less tolerance for wear than 8-10 speed chains, so I'm guessing the Parks guy is just going by the fact that all chain checker tools are conservative, recommending chain replacement sooner rather than later.

So I took the chain off, and broke out the tape measure. I measured the entire length of the chain. All of the links are 0.5" in length. The distance over 24 links is almost exactly 12". I measured at multiple points over the chain.

This implies to me that my chain is still like new, and the Park Tool CC-3.2 checker that shows 0.5 wear on this KMC X11e chain with only 500 miles is a bad tool...though I tested the tool on multiple brand new chains, and it shows no wear.

Thoughts? Maybe these checking tools aren't really much use on eBikes?

 

[Malcontent]

Thoughts? Maybe these checking tools aren't really much use on eBikes?

No, they are equally useless on regular bikes' chains. I've owned several chain measuring tools and they all gave me nonsense measurements. Brand new chains were measuring as worn, etc.

Someone back then, probably on Usenet, explained that it was due to incorrect measuring technique (something to do with the bushings) and to use a steel ruler instead.

Then the first 3-point chain measuring tools hit the market as well as a detailed description of the problem on pardo.net.

I finally got measurements that made sense and corresponded with measurements done with a metal ruler.

 

[gehu]

Old thread I did not know about the e6000 and e8000 chains but years ago learned not to trust Shim chains even on their own drivetrains.
I have had great results with KMC X11 and really am amazed at how long it last but generally replace ebike chains every 6 months even though these show no stretch (and never break) at that point and I ride about 5 or more days for generally 2-3 or 4 hours. Also, allot to learn for new folks shifting on an ebike.

 

[Te. S]

thanks for the great info now i have to check my chain but first i have to order the chain checker
https://smile.amazon.com/Park-Tool-...words=park+tools+chain&qid=1584797561&sr=8-15