Chain slipping at chainset

Cubic
Cubic Posts: 594
edited February 2010 in Workshop
Hi,

Occassionally, when going up steep hills, my chain slips from the middle ring to the little ring on my 105 triple.

Does this indicate that I just need to change the chain or should I replace the chainrings too?

The bike is about 18month old and gets used pretty frequently.

Comments

  • Bugly
    Bugly Posts: 520
    it indicates your chain is stuffed and more then likely the chainring you are using is worn because of that.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,446
    if the chain is badly worn you'll probably have to change the cassette too, as the chain wears it accelerates wear on the cogs and chainrings, eventually a new chain will no longer fit properly (it'll skip like crazy)

    see here for how to measure chain wear (aka stretch)...

    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

    ...or you can buy a gauge to do it for a few quid


    have you checked the front mech alignment? for shimano you can find the service instructions on...

    http://techdocs.shimano.com

    adjustment might let you put off the painful day for a while (buying a new chain, cassette and rings will cost a bit)

    it really is best to keep an eye on chain wear and replace the chain before it causes excessive wear to the other parts
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • most likely chainset worn,and you need a new chain too.
    going downhill slowly
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    Before you start throwing money at your bike....

    Is your front mech properly adjusted? If its not sitting far enough out when the chain is on the middle ring it may be knocking the chain down to the small ring as your frame flexes under load on hills. While riding normally the chain may just be clearing the mech. You could try moving the mech out a tad using the cable adjusters.
    More problems but still living....
  • Cubic
    Cubic Posts: 594
    Thanks for the replies.

    I'll have a look at my front mech adjustment tonight as that could well be the problem.

    I actually picked up an Ultegra 6600 chain and cassette in the January sales and am just waiting for the weather to improve before fitting them.

    My chainset is an FSA Gossamer triple. If it's not the mech that's causing the problem, could I just replace the middle chainring, as this is the one that gets by far the most use? Or should you replace all three?

    Also, if I did decide to get a new chainset e.g. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11789 would I just need to get the matching BB or is there anything else I'd need?

    Thanks for your help!
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,446
    if adjustment doesn't sort it...

    try new chain, but it's possible the new chain will skip on the cassette so badly the bike is unridable, so new cassette

    then if the chainring still has issues, just one ring might be enough, all depends on the wear

    if you decide to get a new chainset then either get one to match the current bb, or replace the bb too

    btw after 18 months, did you service the hubs and headset yet? (grease early or repent at leisure!)
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • Cubic
    Cubic Posts: 594
    Errrrrn no! Hubs and headset - I was only just getting my head around the drivechain! :shock:

    I'll take your advice regarding the skipping chain. Thanks!

    I think I'll wait till spring and then get the lbs to do a full service as I'm sure I'd cock up the headset if I tried myself.