Grumbling chain

Coriander
Coriander Posts: 1,326
edited October 2009 in The workshop
Any ideas as to why my chain has started grumbling at me no matter which gear I use, please?

Comments

  • Big Wib
    Big Wib Posts: 363
    Coriander wrote:
    Any ideas as to why my chain has started grumbling at me no matter which gear I use, please?

    you're not going fast enough for it :wink:
  • shoulder_of_orion
    shoulder_of_orion Posts: 529
    oil?
  • Coriander
    Coriander Posts: 1,326
    Big Wib wrote:
    Coriander wrote:
    Any ideas as to why my chain has started grumbling at me no matter which gear I use, please?

    you're not going fast enough for it :wink:

    We're talking about my chain, not yours.

    :wink:
    shoulderoflamb wrote:
    oil?

    I put some stuff on it a week or so ago...
  • Big Wib
    Big Wib Posts: 363
    Coriander wrote:
    Big Wib wrote:
    Coriander wrote:
    Any ideas as to why my chain has started grumbling at me no matter which gear I use, please?

    you're not going fast enough for it :wink:

    We're talking about my chain, not yours.

    :wink:

    oops, so we are :oops:
    Coriander wrote:
    shoulderoflamb wrote:
    oil?

    I put some stuff on it a week or so ago...

    just any stuff or proper oil type stuff?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    edited September 2009
    worn chain,chainrings,cassette,jockey wheels.

    has the rear mech been "moved"?

    check alignment.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • Coriander
    Coriander Posts: 1,326
    Errr, Dry Line stuff.
  • geordiefella
    geordiefella Posts: 302
    clean chain with degreaser
    lube with finish line or similar lube (i use ceramic) one drop centre of each link
    ride a day or two
    more ceramic lube
    spray of dry lube to finish it off once a week
    super smooth and quiet!
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  • Coriander
    Coriander Posts: 1,326
    geordiefella wrote:
    clean chain with degreaser
    lube with finish line or similar lube (i use ceramic) one drop centre of each link
    ride a day or two
    more ceramic lube
    spray of dry lube to finish it off once a week
    super smooth and quiet!

    This is where I protest that I cleaned it only 3 months ago, but am learning that that's considered a bit slackerish.
  • Coriander
    Coriander Posts: 1,326
    nicklouse wrote:
    worn chain,chainrings,cassette,jockey wheels.

    has the rear mech been "moved"?

    check alignment.

    How woudl I know if bits are worn?

    Sorry, I know I'm dense about this, but I have a massive aversion to the technical, dirty stuff.
  • markp2
    markp2 Posts: 162
    To check for wear without having any specialist kit.
    1. Chain - grab two links next to each other (wear latex/vinyl gloves if you wish) and push/pull gently in line with the chain run to see if there is any wear in the rivets which hold it all together. If you can feel any play, then the chain is likely to be worn out.
    2. Chainrings and cassette - look at the teeth and see if they are roughly the same shape on both sides and from one gear to another. If you use one gear more than any other, then check this first. Compare with a new bike in a shop window.
    OR
    3. Buy the Haynes book on bike maintenance (or something similar)
    OR
    4. Take it to a bike shop and pay someone else to do it!
    Genesis Croix de Fer - my new commuting mount
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  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    Another thing it could be is degrading gear shifting due to sticky/fraying/loose cables or faulty shifter.

    I have to say that IME a chain has to get really, really grubby to become noticeable. I say this as a reformed BSO owner who once had a WD40 chain lubrication habit...
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  • the_hundredth_idiot
    the_hundredth_idiot Posts: 813
    Have you tried adjusting the indexing? Has the rear derailleur been knocked at any point which could have put the rear mech out of line?
    Never be tempted to race against a Barclays Cycle Hire bike. If you do, there are only two outcomes. Of these, by far the better is that you now have the scalp of a Boris Bike.

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