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Hi,
Fitted a new 10 speed KMC chain last night (first time I've ever done this myself) to replace a slightly worn SRAM 10 speed chain. I've been keeping a close eye on chain wear with a steel ruler rather than a chain checker and made the decision to replace sooner rather than later.
The old SRAM chain worked perfectly and I measured the new KMC chain against this to achieve the same length. The KMC 'missing link' went together very easily with hardly any resistance, but I still stood on the pedals (with the link at the top of the drive train) to ensure it was engaged properly. I didn't lube the new chain at all as I'm under the impression that from the factory it should be sufficiently lubed.
Riding this morning it all felt fine and smooth through the pedals, but whilst going up hill I was getting a bit of noise - clicking I suppose is the best way to describe it.
Things to check? Stiff link maybe? Anything else?
Sounds way too silly, but are you sure you've routed it correctly through the mech. Once or twice when I've been thinking of other things I've put it the wrong side of the little 'deflection plate' thing that some mechs have...
Just a thought.
Sounds way too silly, but are you sure you've routed it correctly through the mech. Once or twice when I've been thinking of other things I've put it the wrong side of the little 'deflection plate' thing that some mechs have...
Thanks, just checked and all looks good in that department.
I didn't lube the new chain at all as I'm under the impression that from the factory it should be sufficiently lubed
I thought the stuff that they came with was more anti-corrosion than lube
Stiff link maybe
This ^^^
Worn cassette or front rings?
If you have chain wear you can be sure the cassette and front rings will have some wear.
Do you have the chain the correct way round as the 10 speed chains are directional ?
Do you have the chain the correct way round as the 10 speed chains are directional ?
Now that I didn't know! There doesn't appear to be anything on the chain indicating direction though?
Think its only the Shimano 10sp chains that are directional...
Last time this happened to me I'd managed to balls up the quick link - one of the inner rollers on the chain link had dropped out during my fumblefest. Stiff link is my guess though.
i had a similar problem when i changed the chain on mine. its most likely that the previous chain has worn its groove into the chainrings and that new chain needs time to bed into these grooves. give it a few more rides to see if things improve. also some lube on the chain would help...the stuff that comes on the chain isnt real lube but it there to stop it rusting and seizing up.
For those saying the stuff new chains come with is just a rust protectant, I can't speak for all manufacturers, but the stuff on SRAM chains is Gleitmo, a high quality industrial chain lube, that is applied by hot dipping in a vat of it at the factory so it penetrates into all the internals of the chain where it is most needed. SRAM themselves recommend you run with the original lubricant for as long as possible before adding your own.
However, if you ride in dry dusty conditions like I do, I would recommend wiping off most of the exterior coating as it does tend to attract dust and quickly turn into a very effective grinding paste!
Real info., great. Tx
Had same issue when I fitted a new chain. I was running an alloy front sprocket 1x10 spd, it looked good but chain was worn. New chain was getting plucked by sprocket as it released from it. The original chain and sprocket were new together. I usually get at least 3 chains use out of steel front sprocket, but this alloy (midleburn) was shot after 1 chain. So now I am running an On One stainless single speed sprocket, only £20 and the chain runs far cleaner too. I didn't realise how much of the crap on my chain was black alloy muck from the front sprocket.
The On One ss sprocket may not work on 2or3x10 due to not being ramped.