How to check for bike chain wear and slack: Pro tips for looking after your drivetrain

There aren't many components more important on a bike than a chain. However it's often easy to overlook chain wear that can cause serious inefficiency in the drivetrain and even risk a chain failure. Plus a worn chain will also cause irreparable damage to the rest of your drivetrain components, so replacing it ahead of time is a way to save a lot of money long term.

Follow our guide to check your chain's health.

If you enjoyed this video, and found the content useful please make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends 👍

Submit your questions below👇

Also feel free to tell us: what new cycling trends/topics excite you? That way we can create more engaging content in the areas that interest you the most.

Watch more on the Cyclist YouTube Channel, where we have great insight into tech, and advice on training and bike maintenance. And expect much, much more soon:

[Australia-kykx]

Thanks for posting. Just learnt I immediately need a new chain.

[efilmedthis]

I need a new chain…. I recently replaced every component you listed, and my first ride out my chain busted and i went flying!! Was pulling rocks out of my knee for 45 minutes!

[shergs]

how can i tell if the cassette is damaged if the chain has been over worn?

[MervynLee-hr]

were i got my bike from if my cain sill goes up is all if not cost £ 157 is that right

[makantahi]

2:37 no, if ring gear is old and reshaped, it will look like chain is worn

[makantahi]

1:51 unlimited number of chain per 1 cassette if chain is waxed and replaced on time and gears reshaped after many chain replacements