Cheap chain wear indicators - accurate?

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HaakonJohansen
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by HaakonJohansen

Does anyone know if the cheapest chain wear indicators from eBay are accurate enough? Or should I get one from Park Tool?

duvivr6
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by duvivr6

The park tool one cheap enough, how much are you saving by getting the eBay version?

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HaakonJohansen
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by HaakonJohansen

Not really that much. The cheapest ones costs around 1.5 USD, Shipping included. But I have to order one anyways, and shipping from Hong Kong is usually really fast.

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prendrefeu
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by prendrefeu

It's not that complicated of a device, really. The cheap ones are accurate enough.
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HaakonJohansen
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by HaakonJohansen

Thanks. I ordered a really cheap one. Also, does anyone know of a cheap, good chain splitter that actually works? The ones I've currently got are seriously under-dimensioned. Handles are waaay to short to get enough momentum to push out the pin, plus they actually bend. I've only used them on 1/8" SS chains though, which might maybe require a bit more force to remove the pin than on narrow 11 speed chains? Because of the larger contact area between pin and race I mean.

dudemanppl
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by dudemanppl

Why don't you just spend more for a tool that works well and will last forever? Something something about shoes....

Haydn
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by Haydn

There are certain tools i don't mind buying cheap examples of but I've never found a decent cheap chain tool.

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nickf
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by nickf

I dunno those things never seem to work. The narrow side of the park beam type checker just barely fit into my chain. Changed the chain and the new chain wouldn't hold one of the gears on the cassette. Both chain and cassette were installed new together originally. I guess i used the one sprocket to often. So old chain went back on and will ride it out till the bitter end.

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sovereign
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by sovereign

I prefer a digital caliper.

mjainoz
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by mjainoz

I did a bit of research into this a while back. Ended up throwing all my cheap ones out and bought the shimano one. The piece I read was pretty clear on the failings of most.

I don't know if this was the article. Gotta dash now but it was a good read from memory.
velonews.competitor.com/2015/12/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/technical-faq-chain-wear-measurement_390085
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martinko
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by martinko

A vernier caliper is fine. May be more expensive, but surely not just a tool for bike.

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djconnel
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by djconnel

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You did say cheap...


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fogman
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by fogman

Even a more expensive chain wear indicator is inaccurate, especially on Campy chains. I use calipers to measure. After a few chain/cassette replacements I have determined that it is best to replace my chain every 1200 miles or so.


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fordred
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by fordred

1200 miles. Is that like every 1 to 2 months?

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