How to determine the wear level of a chainring?

How to determine the wear level of a chainring?

This question comes up fairly often, and while we try to answer it, unfortunately there is no magic answer. Indeed, MTB chainrings do not have wear indicators, and the different tooth designs across brands make it difficult to create a universal wear-checking tool.

A few methods for judging the wear of your chainring

  • The first is as simple as it is obvious: gears are unstable when the components are too worn. If you have just replaced your chain/cassette combination and your front derailleur is in good condition but the chainrings are not shifting smoothly — there is no doubt about it, the chainrings need replacing.

  • The second requires a new MTB chain. Place it on the chainring, pull on the chain, and at the highest point you should not be able to lift it by more than half a tooth of the chainring.

  • Finally, the manufacturers' recommendation: replace the cassette every 2 chains. And replace the chainrings every 2 cassettes. This does not apply to a single-chainring MTB drivetrain.

    MTB - Chainrings