"As the chain is typically the least expensive part in the system, it makes sense to add a new one when installing new chainrings or a cassette. "A worn chain on a new cassette or chainrings will only accelerate the wear," says Chris McKenney. You should change your chain at the same time as the cassette and/or chainset. They all use the same principle of applying load to a new chain on worn cassette teeth so a parking lot test ride to see if the chain skips will give the same result." Of course, do this test in such a way that a skipping chain will not injure the rider! There are some cassette checking tools on the market but they are somewhat subjective to use. If the chain skips under pedalling load then it’s time for a new cassette. "The easiest way to determine if your cassette is worn out is to install a new chain. ![]() "It is very hard to see the changes in shape until they are well past the end of their lifespan but everyone has likely experienced a new chain skipping on worn cogs. "Changes in tooth shapes and skipping under load are signs that your cassette needs replacing," says SRAM's Chris Mckenney. You certainly don't need to change the cassette and chainrings every time you swap the chain, though, it's just that you should check out the health and performance of these other drivetrain components as soon as you've installed a new one. "This will ensure you're not running a new chain on worn down gears which won't give you the precise shifting you replaced your chain for in the first place." "You can consider replacing the cassette or chainrings at the same time as replacing the chain," says Shimano's Ben Hillsdon. Sooner or later, though, even if you follow all the advice, you'll need to change your cassette and chainrings. And keeping a chain clean and properly lubricated helps increase its service life." Once the tool shows the chain is worn it's time for a new one. SRAM recommends using a drop-in style chain checking tool to measure service life. "Keeping an eye on chain wear is the best way to prolong cassette and chainring lifespan. "If a rider goes too long on one chain and/or doesn’t clean and lubricate their drivetrain regularly then the replacement costs can be high. "Chains, chainrings and cassettes all wear together," he says. SRAM technical expert Chris Mckenney agrees. Doing so can extend the lifetime of your cassette and chainrings, which in the end will save you money." ![]() The most important thing to change is the chain. "A worn out chain will also wear out your cassette and chainring teeth. ![]() "Over time, as your chain wears and stretches, you'll notice your gear shifts become less precise and less fast," says Shimano's Ben Hillsdon. If you're unclear on any terms used below – chainring, cassette or sprocket, for example – head over to the A-Z of cycling jargon for an explanation. ![]() Get all the info on that in our article: When should you replace your chain? That's a big factor here. We've previously dealt with the issue of when to replace your chain. Your bike's drivetrain will gradually wear and you'll eventually need to replace the various components, but how do you tell when that time has come? We asked the experts at Shimano and SRAM.
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