Bicycle Mechanics - New Chain. Now Skips. Alternatives?

I just put on a new chain, and even though the old one had only worn by 1/16 inch per foot, the new one skips with even moderate pressure when on either of the largest two cogs.:(

This concerns a 1991 Bottecchia with 6 cogs in the back.

Here are some dumb questions:

1. Do I have any alternative other than purchasing a new freewheel with cogs?

2. I believe I made the new chain the same length as the old one. If I made it one link too long by mistake, would that cause the skipping?

3. Would it make sense to put the old chain back on (no skipping at all), and get another 1,000 miles out of the cogs before throwing them away?

4. Is it best to purchase a whole freewheel with cogs already on, or individual cog rings?

Thanks!

I just put on a new chain, and even though the old one had only worn by 1/16 inch per foot, the new one skips with even moderate pressure when on either of the largest two cogs.:(

This concerns a 1991 Bottecchia with 6 cogs in the back.

Here are some dumb questions:

1. Do I have any alternative other than purchasing a new freewheel with cogs?

2. I believe I made the new chain the same length as the old one. If I made it one link too long by mistake, would that cause the skipping?

3. Would it make sense to put the old chain back on (no skipping at all), and get another 1,000 miles out of the cogs before throwing them away?

4. Is it best to purchase a whole freewheel with cogs already on, or individual cog rings?

Thanks!


1. Probably not.
2. 1 extra link will not cause skipping
3. Yes, if I were trying to save a buck I'd put the old one back on.
4. You'll probably have a hard time finding individual cogs.

Just my opinion.

Yep - your rear cogs are worn into a shape that defies the new chain. Ride the old chain into the ground if you're hellbent on saving a few dollars. Or face the inevitable head-on and get a new freewheel. Their pretty cheap if you shop around. The best ones out there - new - are IRD in my opinion. They run around $40. A perfectly acceptable Shimano will cost under $20.

In another thousand miles you could be replacing a chainring as well, if that matters to you.

I just put on a new chain, and even though the old one had only worn by 1/16 inch per foot, the new one skips with even moderate pressure when on either of the largest two cogs.:(

This concerns a 1991 Bottecchia with 6 cogs in the back.

Here are some dumb questions:

1. Do I have any alternative other than purchasing a new freewheel with cogs?

2. I believe I made the new chain the same length as the old one. If I made it one link too long by mistake, would that cause the skipping?

3. Would it make sense to put the old chain back on (no skipping at all), and get another 1,000 miles out of the cogs before throwing them away?

4. Is it best to purchase a whole freewheel with cogs already on, or individual cog rings?

Thanks!

You won't be able to purchase individual cogs. 6 speed freewheels retail for $12-$20. This is a no brainer.

1) No.
2) Assuming the chain length was correct to begin with. Always size it properly with big+big+1. Unless you know *for sure* it was the proper length. Takes no extra time over comparing it to the old chain. Do this.
3) Yeah do that, until it skips then throw new everything on.
4) You can seperate the freewheels into individual cogs if you wanted to. The freewheel is $12-$20 retail for a shimano 6 speed. No reason not to get one.

Thanks, guys. I'll get a new freewheel tomorrow.

I wanted to ask if the new chain was made for 6 speed cogs. If it was really narrow, like for a 9sp cog, wouldn't it skip like this? Also, I had a problem like this, and it was not the cog. The shift cable was all frayed inside the shifter. I took it apart, replaced the cable and it was like new again.

Jack

Yes, it's a 7/8 speed chain.