Chain wear indicator, useful on trials bikes?

[javimic]

Here Javi, 

Is the chain wear indicator tool useful to know when we have to change the chain on our trials bike? The recommendation is to replace it every 6 months. I still  run the original chain (KMC z610hx) after 9 months of intense riding but if I measure the chain with the tool it seems to be fine. Not stretched.

What to do?

[Swoofty]

Chains are a hot topic of late. You said it yourself, you should change the chain at least every 6 months if you actually ride. Every 3 months isn't out of the ordinary. Chains are very reasonably priced for what trials riders need so there's no reason to skimp on this. I cannot stress enough that breaking a chain while riding trials can be a LIFE CHANGING experience.

As for chain stretch, I have one of those things too, but I change my chain before it tells me I need to. They're nice for multi geared bikes and people who only ride occasionally because a stretched chain will ruin your drivetrain; multi gear or single speed. If your drivetrain includes one of those expensive Inspired 22t with integrated bash, you'd much rather replace a chain twice a year than one of those every year (plus the chain!)

[javimic]

7 hours ago, Swoofty said:

Chains are a hot topic of late. You said it yourself, you should change the chain at least every 6 months if you actually ride. Every 3 months isn't out of the ordinary. Chains are very reasonably priced for what trials riders need so there's no reason to skimp on this. I cannot stress enough that breaking a chain while riding trials can be a LIFE CHANGING experience.

As for chain stretch, I have one of those things too, but I change my chain before it tells me I need to. They're nice for multi geared bikes and people who only ride occasionally because a stretched chain will ruin your drivetrain; multi gear or single speed. If your drivetrain includes one of those expensive Inspired 22t with integrated bash, you'd much rather replace a chain twice a year than one of those every year (plus the chain!)

Very clear. I didn't mention the replacement time every 3-6 months because it seemed extreme to me, but it's exactly what the guys at Tartybikes recommend. I'll take your healthy advice: stop skimping on this  . Thanks mate.

[Luke Rainbird]

I used to change my chain every time I changed bike, which I suppose put it about every 6 months. Not the most cost-effective maintenance but always kept things feeling fresh! 

[javimic]

19 hours ago, Luke Rainbird said:

Solía cambiar mi cadena cada vez que cambiaba de bicicleta, y supongo que la pongo cada 6 meses. No es el mantenimiento más rentable, ¡pero siempre mantuvo las cosas frescas! 

2 weeks ago a colleague snapped his chain and he got off easy ... lucky ... because it could have been a horror show ... 

6 months seems to be the ideal mate

[MaderaMark]

about the chains, periodical replacement is very reasonable. But sometimes, things beome tricky when someone gave you a new and bit expensive chain (kmc 710sl) and that was last 2017. Never had any breaks on these chains compared to ybn than had make multiple breakd in just 3 months. What I did is install (DIY) spring loaded chain tensioner, wheels slammed, chain stretch not noticeable and as of now, still rolls fine for me.