Replacing Chain When It Starts Making Noise?

[mulp]

I have some Ultegra chains that show only slight wear, probably .2% elongation.

Bike shifts well, have no problems at all but there is drive train noise.

Do you guys change the chain when it:
(a) makes drive train noise
(b) elongation over .5%
(c) starts affecting your shifting

Thanks!

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by mulp

I have some Ultegra chains that show only slight wear, probably .2% elongation.

Bike shifts well, have no problems at all but there is drive train noise.

Do you guys change the chain when it:
(a) makes drive train noise
(b) elongation over .5%
(c) starts affecting your shifting

Thanks!

Elongation. Noise is probably from lack of lube on chain.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

Elongation. Noise is probably from lack of lube on chain.

Agreed.

Lube chain when it starts to make noise, and change it when there's too much elongation (or in some cases just refuses to shift properly).

If it's still shifting well and below stretch limits, the chain itself (the metal parts) is almost certainly fine.

[dddd]

Ultegra hollow big chainrings definitely seem to amplify chain noise even when the chain is reasonably well lubricated.
I notice this much more on some days than on others, not sure why.

My Trek Koppenberg "Domane" with Sram Red mechanical, running Dura-Ace chain and cassette, never makes such noises that I have been able to notice.

[Peter P.]

a) No.
b) No.
c) I would, but I've never had that happen.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by mulp

I have some Ultegra chains that show only slight wear, probably .2% elongation.

Bike shifts well, have no problems at all but there is drive train noise.

Do you guys change the chain when it:
(a) makes drive train noise
(b) elongation over .5%
(c) starts affecting your shifting

Thanks!

(b)....Rohloff chain checker

[mulp]

Maybe I’ll pick up a more sophisticated chain checker

Just for context, my chain was freshly waxed and has about 20 miles on it.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by mulp

Just for context, my chain was freshly waxed and has about 20 miles on it.

Anyone out there know how the noise from a waxed chain compares to that from an oiled chain? (with as few other variables as possible) I don't have enough experience with using wax to know.

[9tubes]

Chains are inexpensive. Cassettes and chainrings are expensive. So my rules are: When in doubt, replace the chain. When not in doubt, replace the chain. When the chain isn't quite ready to replace, replace the chain.

[dddd]

Originally Posted by Louis

Anyone out there know how the noise from a waxed chain compares to that from an oiled chain? (with as few other variables as possible) I don't have enough experience with using wax to know.

Oh, no question, the wax immediately moves out of the way of moving parts of the chain, than allow the rollers to rattle, which I believe transmits a resonance to the hollow chainring (or even to a normal ring).
This is the main complaint with wax for those with sensitive enough hearing.
I used to race motorcycles and I still hear that sound on a chain lubed with the traditional White Lightning. I used to blend a small amount of oil into that particular lube to quiet the rattle/buzz sound.

If you use a liquid lube this noise should largely become a thing of the past. I use an oil-based lube mix that has just high enough percentage of oil to be quiet, but is mostly solvent so as to prevent my chain being left over-oiled after each lube and wipe-down. I blend my own lube to meet these somewhat conflicting requirements.

[Tony T]

I realize that wear is dependent on road conditions and how often It’s lubed, but generally, how many miles do you get on a chain? I find myself changing chains about every 3,000 miles.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by dddd

Oh, no question, the wax immediately moves out of the way of moving parts of the chain, than allow the rollers to rattle, which I believe transmits a resonance to the hollow chainring (or even to a normal ring).
This is the main complaint with wax for those with sensitive enough hearing.

Thanks - that's what I suspected, but wasn't sure.