Changing Chain

[ClassicMercs]

When doing some cleaning the other day I noticed that the chain looked a little slack on the large ring - a quick measure revealed it to be stretched to the point where 'tech' folks recommend a replacement. So a new HG53 arrived and has just been fitted - like for like.

Trouble is - its a bit noisy, considering it was just a chain replacement. The 9spd cassette and rear derailleur look fine - which is the noisy area. Any wear is on the large ring but its not substantial.

Is it normal on a straight chain replacement to also have to adjust the rear derailleur limit screws etc - or am I missing something else please.

I would also like to know why I came out to a flat front tonight - but its holding up after pumping. Kids messing ?

[Jimbo.]

re. chain: mechs shouldn't need adjusting. Just "One of them things": this new chain isn't all worn, gummed-up inside etc, which may've been masking an adjustment issue before. Tweak away

re. the flat: dodgy valve? I keep loosening the valve cores on my road bikes unintentionally, with the same things you describe.

[MadDad]

Couple of things; did you clean and lube the new chain before putting it on? I always dump mine in petrol to get the horrible thick stuff they always come caked in and oil them with some purple extreme. Secondly, did you check/adjust the size? If not you could be running with a bit of slack. Finally, is the cassette worn? I had a similar issue with one of my MTB's earlier this year. Changed the chain due to the usual wear and tear and instantly noticed a noise coming from the mech/cassette, about 60 miles later the chain started jumping all over the place when in 3/4/5, upon close inspection the cassette had worn to the shape of the old chain, so the new one would not sit correctly. New cassette and its prefect again!

[ClassicMercs]

Some movement on the flat - it has actually gone down again - spoke too soon.

A VERY small bit of wood. Umm - there is a fairly new 'recycling plant' which takes old timber and chops it for animal bedding. Keeping seeing a farmer without his load of rough 'sawdust' covered. I wonder.

Chain - it could be the gunk on the old chain. My LBS has had words with me before about excessive use of inappropriate lubricants.

[ClassicMercs]

I had better check the rear cassette in more detail tomorrow. The light in the kitchen is not brilliant and space is tight - which is the only reason Mrs Mercs wants the bike back outside.
Maybe see how it fairs on the 4 miles to work - the kitchen will amplify sound.

The cassette was the answer on my old MTB / winter hack - but that bike had done several times the mileage of this three year old bike - maybe only 5000 miles covered.

[shalmaneser]

Generally if the chain's knackered it'll take the cassette with it, unfortunately.

With modern 9/10 speed systems regular oiling and degreasing is essential to maintain drivechain life.

[ClassicMercs]

It was me

I did say I did the job in the kitchen where there light isn't brilliant and space is tight. I wasn't looking properly.

Having riden it today it never settled, but I got home before dark tonight. Flipping the bike up on the driveway revealed that I hadn't threaded the chain properly through the rear derailleur stem. One side (deore)has a piece of metal which the chain must go one side of - not the side I had placed it. It was that metal that the chain was rubbing on.

Rather than mess with links the stem was soon unscrewed at the bottom end and the job sorted.

That's more than can be said for the puncture. I can never mend them properly. And quality tubes are so cheap online, so a new tube is installed as well from my spares shelf.