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So, took the hardtail out last week and spent more time in 1st, 2nd, 3rd than I usually do due to the conditions, and it runs ever so rough; you can feel it in the pedals. First thought was chainline or jockey wheels but the derailleur looks straight. Perhaps the hub needs another clean and grease (though I did this 6 months ago). Superstar Fuel hub which had a feehub issue last year. Anything else I should consider, other than binning it?
Chain has worn on your normal gears, so the relatively unused 1/2/3 sprockets don't marry with the chain so well?
SRAM rear mech? Jockey wheels seized?
Chain/sprocket meshing issue I would suspect.
All clean and decent lube?
Check that the inside plate on the mech isn't rubbing on the sprocket when the suspension is sagged. My Sram mech developed this issue, was rubbing on the third largest sprocket, needed a b-screw adjustment.
Might only be a temporary fix though. Mine has just started doing it again.
Hard Tail so not much sag, apart from my fat arse, on the rear of the bike.
All Shimano XT
Probably needs a clean and lube, yes.
Could need a chainline/gear tweak, so I'll look again.
So no one thinks it's a hub issue?
I’d check the jockey wheels haven’t all but seized. I think it’s more of a frequent occurrence on SRAM but it could happen to Shimano.