Broken chain - new gear block as well?

grizzly

My chain broke for the 2nd time (got it original fixed 1st time) this time I chucked it (thinking it's not going to survive for long) and brought it in for repair. Have been told that the gear block may have to be replaced as well. Is this often the case?

blorg

Sometimes, yes, particularly if you didn't look after it- which, if it broke on you twice is quite likely.

If you look after it (degrease and relube when necessary) and replace it before it is too worn you can go through up to three or four chains per cassette.

If you don't look after it you are more likely to have to replace the cassette with every chain change.

Way to find out is install the new chain and if it skips you need a new cassette. If it does get the new cassette quickly as the old one will be damaging your new chain if left on.

grizzly

Well I've kept it (Giant FCR 3) in ok nick – chain well oiled, but after 2 years of daily use

Explosive_Cornflake

After 2 years it could be expected to change the block also.
Also note, other people reading also, you also keep the chain clean as well as oiled. A very oily chain will hold small bits of grit, etc, and this will wear down parts.

kona

grizzly wrote: »

Well I've kept it (Giant FCR 3) in ok nick – chain well oiled, but after 2 years of daily use

Its the cleaning off the dirt that is the vital part, no point in oiling over more dirt, it just adds to the problem. Id say you need a new cassette, 2 years is Alot to get out of a drivetrain used daily.

cdaly_

After 18 months (12,000 km) on my FCR, a chain change was too late and I had to change the cassette too. I just stuck the old chain back on while waiting for the cassette to arrive.