Bicycle Chains vs. Carbon Belts

The P-I is running an AP story this morning about the new carbon fiber composite belt that some bike manufacturers (Trek, in the article) are switching to. The article makes all sorts of claims for belt superiority. We imagine they are quieter, and of course there's no chain grease involved, but we drew up short at this: "And one belt will typically last three years--the life span of three chains." Is that for real? Our chain is...let's see...carry the two...about 35 years old. It still seems to do the trick. What's the deal with these one-year chains?

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By MvB in Miscellaneous on November 24, 2008 9:30 AM

Comments [rss]

jdavin

1 year is pretty accurate if you ride a lot. Using the same chain for 35 years is basically destroying your sprocket's teeth and eventually would cause slipping and trouble shifting. Chains stretch with bike mileage, regardless of how clean and well oiled you keep it.

Check out the pictures here, I've found this page pretty useful:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

greenMango

It depends on how much you ride. The rule of thumb that I've heard is that a chain should be replaced after 12-1500 miles of riding. For a serious cyclist that's about a year's worth of riding. A standard link in a bike chain is 1", if 10 links is longer than 10.1" it's time to replace the chain. You can also stop in your favorite bike shop and ask them to check. They'll have a special tool that will make a quick, accurate measurement. Finally, if you replace a chain a little before it's completely worn out then you'll be able to use three or four chains before the cassette (the rear gears) needs to be replaced. A cassette is much more expensive than a chain so this is worth doing.

Wesa

My chain lasted 2 1/2 years through a regular commute, but I did have to replace the gears as well. An old chain will wear down the gears, and you'll notice the chain slipping off more often or the bike stuttering to change gears.

Troy Morris

All this reminds me is that I need to get my brakes tightened. That and the fact I nearly had to abandon ship on the Cedar hill this morning.

bilco

You'll be replacing the whole drivetrain for the belt, so if the next time I go in for chain work (usually as the rainy season slows in the spring), I'm going to see if that's an option.

I will report, sir, if I get one!

MvB

It's true, I don't ride much in the rain--my commute is short enough I just put on the rubber boots and walk if it's coming down out there. And I am kind of obsessive about keeping the chain clean and oiled.

Maybe this has something to do with my having an internal hub, you think? My chain doesn't see all that much gear-changing action.

If you pop for a belt, let us know how it goes!

bilco

I need to replace mine at least once a year. Which I don't, then it grinds down the gears, so I end up replacing them as well about every year and half.

I guess if you keep it really clean, don't ride in the rain (!?!) you might make it last. If you haven't replaced this stuff - do so, it will feel like you've got a brandy-new bike.

Given that my Prius apparently uses one of these belt-type gizmos, maybe I should see about trying one on the bike.