New Chain, Cassette, Chain Ring-advice needed (E3 Peak-2013)

[GuruUno]

Approaching 3,000 miles, chain skipping, broke, working again, bough new chain, looking for advice on if I should just replace item for items, as they exist or consider upgrading to a better, smoother, more efficient set of hardware.
Stock SRAM cogset, casette, chainring, etc., etc., OR replace with CURRENT specs on new models, OR what would be best for performance, etc.?

 

[Ann M.]

@GuruUno, a new chain after 3+ years of riding is not bad. You might want to look at upgrading the derailleur or doing more frequent tune-ups and adjustments to keep that chain drive aligned. A poorly adjusted derailleur can wear out a chain more rapidly as can a dirty or rarely lubed chain.

A little more info about how and where you like to ride your Peak would help with component specific advice, also a budget. You can upgrade lots of components but whether that's necessary will depend upon your particular needs. We use good quality, KMC non-rusting chains on a lot of ebikes when we're doing regular maintenance at the shop. Everyone is going to have their favorite chain and for some higher end systems, it's an absolute necessity because of the derailleur design. You don't have that issue with the Peak.

 

[GuruUno]

"look at upgrading the derailleur" with ?
"more frequent tune-ups", I do 2 a year for the last 3 years....
My issue was dirty chain, not lubed enough, which I now know to do more frequently.
I did purchase a new KMC X9e chain, however, I'd still like to replaceANY other items to be ready for the upcoming season.
Here in NJ, now, I'm lucky to get out 1 time a week with cold and snow, however, normally I get out 2 times a day, 24-30 miles each day for the majority of the season when permissible.
99% of the time I am on a paved trail or the street.
I've replaced the "knobby" tires with Schwalbe MARATHON PLUS, installed the BodyFloat seat spring, and enjoy the bike immensely.
I'm considering replacing the bike in 2018, and would like to get 1 more year from it, so professional opinion is greatly appreciated as to what cassette, chain ring, derailleur, etc. to use.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Catfish]

Principal cause of chain skipping is wear and tear of cassette gears. For example, I have E3 Vibe and ride almost always in 7th gear. After three years the teeth wore down to nubs. My local shop advised replacing cassette and chain. Analogy is honing rotors for new disc brake pads. You might also consider using something like Finish Line wet lube if you are lacks on maintenance.

 

[gadgetguy]

"look at upgrading the derailleur" with ?
"more frequent tune-ups", I do 2 a year for the last 3 years....
My issue was dirty chain, not lubed enough, which I now know to do more frequently.
I did purchase a new KMC X9e chain, however, I'd still like to replaceANY other items to be ready for the upcoming season.
Here in NJ, now, I'm lucky to get out 1 time a week with cold and snow, however, normally I get out 2 times a day, 24-30 miles each day for the majority of the season when permissible.
99% of the time I am on a paved trail or the street.
I've replaced the "knobby" tires with Schwalbe MARATHON PLUS, installed the BodyFloat seat spring, and enjoy the bike immensely.
I'm considering replacing the bike in 2018, and would like to get 1 more year from it, so professional opinion is greatly appreciated as to what cassette, chain ring, derailleur, etc. to use.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[gadgetguy]

I replaced my cassette about a year ago with an Sram PG-990 11-32. I also replaced the chain with the KMC model for electric bikes mentioned above. I still have the original derailleur. What a difference, no more skipping, shifts like butter. This higher quality cassette is a major improvement. Probably have 1,500 miles on this cassette and still in great shape. Buy a higher quality cassette. Electric bikes are hard on gears and this motor keeps running when you stop pedaling. Several years ago I changed the chainring from 38t to 46t. I ride mostly on pavement and am very pleased with the setup. This bike runs better than new.