The Chain (no not the Fleetwood Mac one)

Cheeky Tosser

Is it just me or does everyone have problems with SRAM chains? On the last 5 outings the chain has snapped three times - and its a brand new one. It has more powerlinks in it now than original links (just kidding). The powerlinks saved some long walks home - take one and a multitool on every outing for some peace of mind.

Anyone out there recommend a good 9 speed chain that dosen't fall apart at the slightest provocation. I hear Sachs are supposed to be good.

supersonic

Mine has snapped once, but apart from that had very good results with SRAM. Which model are you using? There are a couple of versions of the PC991, one is stronger than the other.

ChickyChick

ok to save time writing another topic am gonna jump in here and see if anyone can answer my question on chains too....

im running shimano deore xt rear mech but no idea what the cassettte is or even the chain that was on the bike when i got it, now it snapped on me while out a few days ago, it'd been jamming a little bit and changing gears whenever it felt the need, so i counts the cog things on cassette, count nine and off i go and speak to a lovely man in evans and get a 9 speed shimano chain he says will do the trick...so i put it on, no problem then while out yesterday its still changing gears as and when but now it keeps running off the little wheel at the top of the derailiure and its twisted this chain beyond belief, the chain was 114 links i think, now when i counted the old one it only had 108? never had any problems with the last chain at all till it snapped and now the new one is a mare! looking in my park book its obviously too long, 1) so what length do i need? 2) what should i look at with regards to twisting chain andf jamming? 3)why does it randomly change gear on me???!!!
all help gratefuly recieved!!

supersonic

There is a number of things here: firstly a new chain on an old casette does not always work, as they wear down together, and a new shiny chain can upset the balance causing it to skip. Secondly, all chains come with too many links - they have to be cut down! There are a couple of methods to doing this, best would be too look on Park Tools (see link in sig). This may explain the chain dropping off the jockey wheels, or this may be twisted too, or the hanger bent.

So what to do... well, since there is a few things, I'd take it to the shop to have a careful eye cast over it! Seems like a few parts may need replacing!

ChickyChick

much appreciated sonic!! i didnt want to admit defeat but i think you've hit the nail on the head!!! why is it i can sort out my motorbike chain no worries but the cove is a right royal pain! ggrrrr!!

supersonic

Lol, you could post a pic from a few angls, might be able to diagnose it. Chain almost def too long though.

ChickyChick

cheers! will post pics shortly...watch this space!

ChickyChick

piccies.....(sorry for not great quality!)

chain in smallest ring on sprocket and cssette (like in the park book) very long!




the more bent of the links...

ddraver

Yep...far far too long, Undo it, wrap the chain around the biggest cogs and rings front and back and add two links (that's fout induvidual peices, a "link" is an inner and outer)

ddraver

with regard to the OP, I ve had a few problems like that with my current one, maybee we just got a crap batch or something, I'm gonna change mine when i get paid...

supersonic

Just a quick note on gear selection - using the small/small combo isnt really worth at, as the same ratio can be had in the middle chainring (and same for large/large). These combos skew the chain at an angle, causing accelerated wear and in many cases the chain dropping off the top cog of the derailler! The pic definitely shows the chain is too long. Do you have a good chain tool? Essential to split a nd chain, and shimano chains can only be rejoined with the special ampulre pin. I find SRAM chains better, with the power link. SRAM PC971 chain is my advice.

ChickyChick

to go with a sram chain would i need to change my whole gearing set up from shifters thru to the mech etc or can i get away with jus sticking a new cassette and chain on? interesting reading about the shimano chain, ive had 3 this week now from not being abe to get the pins back in!!! wel they say you learn something new everyday!!

supersonic

SRAM chains work fine with Shimano kit. New cassette is recommended if worn, and same with chainrings.

Jimbob_no5

my chain snapped the other night i only put light pressure on it and it exploded so i have 3 sram power links in it but while fixing the chain i found the jockey wheel had cracked right down the middle :evil: can you get metal jockey wheels??

ChickyChick

thanks for the advice folks, and apologies to cheeky of the OP for taking your thread in a slightly different direction.