• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

Park Tool CC-3 Chain Wear Indicator

By Ed Pavelka

HOT!

  • Foolproof
  • Bulletproof
  • Budgetproof

NOT!

  • Nothing’s really perfect, is it?

www.parktool.com
Price:  $9.95
Source:  bike shops, mailorder catalogs
How obtained:  sample
from company
RBR advertiser:  no
Tested:  10 times

This one is a no-brainer. The Park CC-3 Chain Wear Indicator could be the perfect tool. it’s so helpful, affordable and easy to use that it belongs in every roadie’s tool box — even if it’s the only thing in there because you’re so mechanically
disinclined.

You won’t have any trouble mastering the CC-3. Just hook the curved end inside a link with the 0.75% scale on the bottom edge. Lower the tool to the chain. If the flange doesn’t drop in, keep smiling and go for a ride. The chain is practically as good
as new.

If the flange does drop in, you know that the chain has stretched at least 0.75%. If you’re fastidious about bike maintenance, go no further and replace the chain.

Otherwise, flip the tool. Now the 1% scale is on the bottom edge. If that flange drops in, too, you are overdue for a new chain. If it doesn’t, stretch is borderline and you can milk a few more miles if you’re the type (as I am) who likes to get their
money’s worth.

With chains, however, there’s such a thing as being penny wise and dollar foolish. The CC-3 can prevent that.

Running a chain That’s stretched 1% or more accelerates wear on everything it touches. A good-quality chain costs much less than replacing chainrings and cassettes because their teeth have worn. Once appreciable wear happens, chain replacement is too
late. A new chain will skip and slip.

THere’s another benefit. Your bike will shift better and run smoother and quieter with chains that are between new and <1% stretched. Of course, keeping a chain clean and lubed helps performance and extends its life, too.

One Tool Fits All

The CC-3 is 5 inches (13 cm) long. It works on any bicycle chain, according to Park Tool. it’s made of laser-cut steel for precision and durability. It doesn’t seem likely to wear or be damaged by a lifetime of use.

Nice touch: When you flip to tool over to try the opposite scale, the lettering and number are still right-side up.

Nicer touch: The CC-3 retails for $9.95. I can’t imagine a better investment for the money. With it, the age-old question — “Is it time for a new chain?” — has a simple yes/no answer. It’s a no-brainer.

Park Tool does not sell consumer-direct. You can find a dealer locator on the website.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • ‘Connect’ to Diet-Reverses-Diabetes Study: Even If You Don’t Have the Disease
  • My New Bike: Trek Checkpoint SL 5
  • Weak Muscles Predict Accelerated Aging, Disability and Death
  • Rolflex Muscle Recovery Tool Quick Review

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1053

Newsletter Issue No. 1052

Newsletter Issue No. 1051

Newsletter Issue No. 1050

Newsletter Issue No. 1049

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in