A Bicycle Chain

[LouMelini]

I use SRAM 1071 or 1051 (971 or 951 on Julie's 9-speed cassette) chains and run them up to 3000 at most, changing the entire drivetrain (cassette and chainrings) every 5th chain.

[Figaro]

I did the TransAm 4,300 miles on a fully loaded Trek 520, then another 2k + miles on the same chain. A guy I rode with off and on during the TransAm put 2 chains on his bike during the trip -- unnecessary in my mind, but peace of mind for him. But then again, I change the oil in my car about every 6k, instead of 3k like the places I pay to change my oil recommends. I think a lot of people change chains and cassettes far more often than needed, but to each his/her own.

[LouMelini]

Figaro, your method probably works. I could go longer on a chain, even fully loaded. We did the TransAm in 2018, swapping chains in Newton, KS. Probably not needed but peace of mind. Two replacement chains does seem a bit excessive.

[Figaro]

Yea, so far its worked for me, but once of these days if/when a chain breaks on me, I'm sure I'll think, why the heck didn't I change that chain a thousand miles back :-)

Figaro, your method probably works. I could go longer on a chain, even fully loaded. We did the TransAm in 2018, swapping chains in Newton, KS. Probably not needed but peace of mind. Two replacement chains does seem a bit excessive.

[cyclist alan]

I roll with mid-grade. I like their quick link design for ease of use.  It's not a problem for me to get upwards of 5k miles out of one. I regularly get about 5k miles
Check out here:-https://bikesreviewed.com/gear/best-bike-chains/