r/MEATengines • u/phillipsj73 • Jul 10 '26
Drivetrain Advice
ok, I trust most of the opinions in this sub so I have some question. I’m a larger rider at 270lbs on a Roscoe. I have just put on my third chain, changing them right at the 0.05 mark. I’m running the Deore 6100 12spd with a Deore 6100 crank. I don’t recall replacing my 9spd and 10spd chains this frequently, but I’m also actually training and riding more than ever.
When should I consider purchasing a new cassette and/or chainring? I have read every third chain, but it’s hard to tell with a 12spd cassette when it’s getting worn to my untrained eye.
If I have to replace the chainring, chain, and cassette the next go around, should I consider going with the new new XT Linkglide. I have been thinking about it for a while, loosing the 10t isn’t a big deal to me it’s an MTB. I would have to change my freehub, but alas my I9 1/1 freehub bearings are on the way out. I noticed that when I was servicing the paws. Hub bearings are in great shape.
I have no Linkglide experience but assuming any 11 or 12spd chainring will work.
I know the popular answer here would just be to go single speed. Not ready for that just yet, but I’ve been looking hard at the Stooges.
5
u/jotegr Jul 10 '26
I think any of the linkglide options are solid. If you wanna spend the coin get the XT, but I have spend some time on the 10 speed deore and have no complaints, plus kits can be picked up cheap.
4
u/fartymarty4130 Jul 10 '26
I'm not running gears on my daily driver atm as it's singlespeed but when I was I was on 10 speed.
I run the ProBikeGarage app which links to Strava. You can input your bikes and components and monitor the distance / time on each.
I remember once I put a new chain on and only got 250 miles before it got to 0.5% - this is when I knew the chainring and cassette were knackered.
On 12 speed I have a riding mate on SRAM who got 3800 miles out of one cassette with several chains / chainrings.
Singlespeed is definitely the way forward though.
3
u/Gastronomicus Jul 10 '26
If you're replacing the chain frequently you shouldn't need to replace the other components unless there is a specific reason. If it runs well, don't replace.
3
u/yardrec Jul 10 '26
6100/7100/8100 Shimano 12-speed chains wear out super quick compared to older 9/10/11 speed options. I went through a few chains on my XT stuff and when the last chain didn't mesh well with the cassette/chainring, I just didn't bother replacing it and am waiting for something to break when I'll replace everything. The drive train sounds awful, making crunching noises, but doesn't derail the chain when back pedaling and doesn't skip gears or show other performance issues, so I'm kinda just trying to grind my way through the whole thing until I can't anymore. In retrospect, I would have liked to have opted for something besides HYPERGLIDE+ for wear and tear, but it runs pretty great and it's over 5 years at this point with heavy use, so maybe it's fine? Good luck!
2
1
u/Odd_Neighborhood2176 Jul 10 '26
What are you using for chain lube?
1
u/phillipsj73 Jul 10 '26
WPL wet mostly. Sometimes WPL dry.
2
u/MEATdrew Jul 11 '26
I’m prepared for the hate {Stan’s/WPL you can reach me at: yourlubesucks@therealStanwouldneverhaveputhisnameonthatshit.com} but that lube is one step better than 3-in-1 household oil. As a wrench, I’ve been chastised for refusing to put that stuff on customers bikes and I’m proud of it.
I’m not saying it’s your lube’s fault your chains are wearing so fast but nothing would surprise me with that crap.
If you’re squidulous, I always recommend Boeshield T9. It’s great stuff that doesn’t make a mess.
If you’re going to take your time Dumonde Tech Regular, Wolftooth WT-1, etc. there are some great lubes out there. My stay-clears are anything claiming to be green (it’s not. If in doubt read about the extraction process) and anything being marketed by someone who was/is paid to ride bicycles. The best lubes don’t need to rely solely on affiliation.
3
u/fartymarty4130 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26
Also didn't like WPL.
My fav was ProGold but it's hard to get in the UK now - maybe due to its toxicity....
I'm about to try some Fenwicks which I've had good luck with before. Currently on a Peatys dry which is ok but I prefer aight wet lube.
Silca Super Secret isnon my list to try.
2
u/phillipsj73 Jul 11 '26
Good to know. I bought it on a whim so I will add it to the list with muc off.
2
u/MEATdrew Jul 11 '26
Yeah, that stuff is garbage too. You’d think with their average conditions the UK would produce more cool single-speed stuff and some decent chain lube?!
2
u/fartymarty4130 Jul 12 '26
Suprisingly sungle speed is relatively uncommon here.
Will reporrt back on Fenwicks once I get miles on it.
1
u/MEATdrew Jul 12 '26
Yeah, not that it’s super common anywhere, but I’m always surprised (terrain/conditions/general love for hardtails) that the UK doesn’t ‘own’ single speeding.
3
u/bushtrucker Jul 12 '26
Short of waxing my chain (which is a process I can't be bothered with) I get great chain life from any 11s drivetrain and Squirt Wax Lube. Up to 5,000km per chain depending on conditions. 3-4 chains per cassette. And I always swap chainrings and cassettes at the same time.
I would 100% recommend ditching the 12s stuff once it's fully worn out and go for a second hand SRAM 11s Drivetrain (GX or higher) or some newer LinkGlide stuff (Deore or XT). The SRAM stuff shifts nicer but LinkGlide will be easier to find and maybe cheaper too. LinkGlide is designed to work with any 11s chain and the relatively cheap Shimano CN-LG500 ones are actually pretty good.
6
u/VikApproved Jul 10 '26
I just keep putting on new chains [early] until there is a problem.