Birzman Cycling Chain Wear

Had a Birzman chain tool for years but I have somehow misplaced it so I bought another one as the original had not let me down, well apart from hiding somewhere. Very easy to use and identify when you need to replace a chain, or when it is nearing that point. A must have for any level of cyclist to perform quick regular checks to a chain and replace promptly when required to minimise unnecessary wear across all the drive-train parts, and the expense of replacements due to running a stretched chain. Very happy with this new purchase

You could get a better known brand but no need.This basically has 3 readers on it.Your chain stretches and when it does it slowly starts to damage your cassette.All you do with this is put the bottom end in a chain link on the bike and rest the other end on the chain.If none of the prongs go in it isn’t stretched at all.If the first prong goes in this means the chain has stretched .5%. If you have high end 11 or 12 speed drivetrains you may want to think about changing the chain now..75 is the next prong and this is where most chains should be changed.1 and it has gone too far and change ASAP.I was surprised to see my mountain bike chain had gone to 1- not good on an 11 speed GX so ordered a new chain immediately.My newish Eagle on my EMTB was still at zero stretch. Those Eagle chains are tougher.I’m a big fan of Park tools but seriously no need to spend that money on a simple tool like this. If you do need to change the chain, I would however recommend the Park Tools chain breaker (the 3.2 version is a bit cheaper and works great on 12 speed chains also, despite it being marketed as 11 speed) and Park Tools chain pliers- both essential tools for changing chains quickly.

The photo used is out of date. The tool received had three indicator prongs and they seem to work but the design makes using it not as clear as say the parkman tools where if it slips through the chain, then the chain definitely has wear to the degree on that side. This tool has all three degrees of wear on the same side, so instead there is a line indicator on each prong which isn't as intuitive - does it indicate wear if the line passes the top of the chain, meet at the top of the rollers, bottom, etc...This model is "Chain Wear Indicator I (single-12 speed) BM10-ST-CC-01" on their site.Chain hook feature is nice but already have a chain hook as part of chain breaking tool, so probably won't ever use it but nice to have an additional alternative.

It's well priced and well made. It also doubles as a handy chain hook. It measures 0.5, 0.75 and 1% chain wear levels. At 0.75% you should look at replacing your chain to ensure efficient operation of your drive train.I was late to the game buying a chain wear gauge thinking that a chain that had only done around 1500 mile would still be good. It turns out that if the 1000 mile is done on very muddy, gritty paths your chain maybe beyond serviceable life. By this time however I was having a number of operational problems meaning I also needed new cranks and a cassette.Because it is so easy to use I check my chain every 2 weeks when I clean and lubricate it. It's worth every penny if it saves on cranks and cassettes.

Nothing bad to say cheap well made and doubles as a chain hook measure 0.5 0.75 and 1% chain wear levels the photo does not show the 0 5% mark. A new chain it does not even fit a 2000mile old chain is beyond 1% worn see pictures

Great little tool, comes with good quality plastic bag and chain hook

It works

Very easy to use