How to tell when a chain is done

Chains come in different tensile strengths and roller or solid roller. Your bike would need 8500-10,000lbs tinsel strength with the lower end being around a stock chain. The more strength the longer the chain should last for your bike if properly cared for. So a 9-9500lbs is what I run and expect about 20,000+ miles of mild to hard use. The more strength the more $$$. So what's over kill for you?

Also a solid roller will hold up better than just a standard roller. O-ring or X-ring is about the same. The big thing is taking care of it. Making sure it's cleaned,NO pertrol products, and make sure it gets lubed 200-400 miles. Your mileage may vary..... There's all kinds of lubes out there and then there is Dupont Chain spray wax. I've been using it about two years and really like. Big plus is chain stays a whole lot cleaner. Doesn't collect crap like lube does. The grit from dirt and such in the lube wears on the sealing rings over time. The wax sheds all that stuff except for dust maybe.

So search on line for chains,go over to each companies web site and try and find specs on the chain(s) you're thinking of buying or just for education, Or just spend big and don't worry about it. As long as the chain is clean, lubed and adjusted properly, you never have to even think about it for a long time if you buy a good one.