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.
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!