Chain Life

What are the indicators that a chain is nearing the end of its life?

After a ride yesterday i was going to lube my chain, and it had developed quite a bit of slack. I have neglected it some and i can't say for sure, but i assume it has been gradually getting more slack.

Do chains continue to stretch over their life or just at the beginning and end?

depends on what kind of chain it is,if you have access to a shop manual i think there is a section on the allowable chain stretch.remember to replace your sprockets if you change the chain otherwise the old sprockets will wear the new chain really fast;)

Its happening everytime you ride the bike Trey, from beginning to end. Nothing to worry about with a little slack, just keep adjusting chain tension and the lube and you will be good to go! As for the end of it's life it depends on when one of the rollers on the chain is somehow very stiff and has a stiff kink in it or when you go to a certain chain stretch that you decide adjustment will not work for it. Plus You measure the chain and I think check how much links are in a certain length and that will tell you chain stretch

great! thanks for the info.

what do the sprockets look like, that has always been the indicator of when to replace.
if the teeth are staring to get sharp and pointy, its time

the rear sprocket looks ok, i haven't looked at the front.

Interestingly, my rear sprocket is some sort of plastic, no holes in in just a solid piece. It has the words "nu tuff" on it.

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just dawned on me, you might get more responses by posting this in the chassis section, maybe a moderator will move it??
I dont know anything anout the plastic sprockets, there has been some talk on the site in the past

Hay !
That rear sprocket is something like 20 years old !!
They dont wear out ........

They BLOW UP !

A VERY BAD thing on any Z bike .
I know .
Its time for a chain and sprocket set.

No Kidding