Bicycle Mechanics - Smoothness

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Artmo
02-08-07, 12:28 PM
I have Trek 2300 with triple Ultegra group and Pinarello with compact Most (Pinarello) and 105 front and rear changers. The Trek has far more miles on it than the Pinarello, but it always feels and sounds much smoother and quieter. No, it's not a question of gear adjustment, nor lubrication but it seems to be the way the chain runs over the cogs etc. I love both bikes, but there is certainly a difference in "smoothness." Is this an alignment problem, a chain problem or a groupset problem or all three?

Steev
02-08-07, 12:41 PM
I find that chain noise increases as the chain wears. That may be the difference.
Artmo
02-08-07, 03:23 PM
I find that chain noise increases as the chain wears. That may be the difference.

But it's the newer chain which is noisier, Steev.

rmfnla
02-08-07, 07:53 PM
Chain line might be a factor; proper crank/cluster alignment really makes a difference.
niallac
02-09-07, 01:47 PM
But it's the newer chain which is noisier, Steev.

You say the 'newer chain' - is this still the original chain that came with the Pinarello? If so, is it possible that it has worn quicker than the chain on the other bike? Apologies if I'm teaching my Granny to suck eggs here, but if the chain has worn beyond the critical point, it'll be noisy on the sprockets at the back, and shifting will be clunky. Measuring the wear via chain 'stretch' is simple - dump the chain ASAP if you think it's worn or it'll (eventually) mangle the cassette and chainrings too.
Artmo
02-09-07, 02:14 PM
Thanks niallac, but I'm sure it's not chain wear, as there are no shifting or chain jumping problems. I might just buy a new chain anyway as I think it's always been "rough" compared with the Trek. Could be simply a cheapo chain on it.
turtle77
02-09-07, 02:23 PM
Is the chain the right type for the amount of gears you have? The LBS might've put the wrong type on when they built it.
mtnbiker4791
02-10-07, 06:36 AM
Just because the chain is not jumping or skipping gears does not mean it is not worn. I would also check the cassette for wear and also the derailleur hanger for alignment. Chainline would be a good thing to check also but manufacturers have gotten away from having what used to be good chainline to new chainline measurements with the outboard bearings and the larger sized seat tubes.