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I have had a 2010 Focus Mares AX3 for about 7 months and have done 1200 miles or thereabouts, pretty much all commuting on the road. Last week the chain started slipping and it seems that the large ring (50T) is so badly worn that it slips if I put too much pressure on the pedals.
Q1 – Is this a normal life for a chainring? I had a Kona Dew for commuting for a few years before that (with a lot lower mileage – probably more like 750miles before a car wrote the bike off) and the chainrings seemed fine. I also have had an Orange P7S for 4 years with no chainring wear problems, although again with a lot lower mileage. I have ridden 2 or 3 times a week in all weathers and probably haven’t been as careful as I could have been with cleaning the chain, although I have lubed it regularly.
Q2 – The chain has been visibly damaged by the slipping and will need replaced as well, I’m assuming that I need to replace the cassette as well?
Q3 – The chainset is a FSA 50/34 compact, standard on the bike when I got it. As far as I can make out I can buy any chainring (probably stick with the 50T) with a 110mm BCD. Is this correct and do I need a special tool for changing it?
Q4 – Any chainrings out there that are more durable? Or is it more down to keeping them clean? Thinking in the region of £50, something like Shimano 105, or FSA Pro compact.
I have changed cassettes before, but not chainrings. How difficult is it to change (i.e. should I pay a visit to the bike shop)?