Review: Lezyne Chain Gauge

(2022) The loose rule of road cycling chains is to think about replacing it around 2,000 miles. Having blown past that distance during the supply chain issues, a major concern was drivetrain health. Logging hundreds of miles on a trainer and thousands outside, a reliable chain gauge was needed for newer-released equipment. Lezyne, one of our favorite tool companies for things like lights, torque wrenches, and floor pumps, sells the four-in-one Chain Gauge to help with a couple tasks.

Chain tools can be tricky, despite their simple application. What might work for a seven-speed chain becomes less reliable as speeds increase. Having dug an old chain tool out of the service course drawer, there was hardly certainty that it was measuring correctly. For the absorbable price of the Chain Gauge, we took delivery and put it to use immediately.

Lezyne’s Chain Gauge has a guide stamped onto the back for ease of use.

Lezyne has smartly designed tools without the flashy packaging. Every bit of Lezyne tools in the service course has served its purpose, often being the first tool reached for. The Chain Gauge is designed to tackle three tasks on one stainless steel tool: a chain gauge, integrated valve core tool, and a chain hook. The extra feature is a bottle opener, a nice option for down time with riding buddies. But we were here solely for the chain tool to see if a new one was needed.

Hesitatingly we approached the chain in use, that aforementioned drivetrain with thousands of miles on it since its last replacement. Spinning the attached key ring as a fidget, we read the stamped chain indicator hoping for the best. Sliding the one end into the chain, it was revealed the links were healthy and full of miles. Two other spots were measured to be on the safe side; immediately local bike shop service menus tabs were closed on the computer. For a small fee the Lezyne Chain Gauge assured us the drive train was still stellar.

The loose rule of road cycling drivetrains states to replace the rear cassette for every two chains. Having this simple tool to indicate wear can prevent a costly immediate repair on a cassette that has been damaged by an overused chain. And years ago we learned the hard way that the front rings are not immune from replacement. A quick check every couple weeks, preferably after a bike wash can provide quicker updates. With the furious advancements of drivetrain speeds, maybe it’s time to upgrade the chain tool, too. With supply chain shortages and people riding more, this simple tool can provide chain stretch progress to prevent having to find elusive parts, particularly during a hard time.