Bicycle Mechanics - Update: SRAM link on Shimano HG chain

OK, so I took the advice of Raiyn and several others here, and installed a SRAM Powerlink on my Shimano HG chain. It fits, as expected, and performed fine on it's maiden voyage this weekend (10+ miles at China Camp).

However, when I run the chain backwards through the rear der., the Powerlink makes the der. cage jump the slightest bit, as would a stiff link. Should this condition worry me, are there any specific remedies, and can it be expected to improve over time?

TIA

OK, so I took the advice of Raiyn and several others here, and installed a SRAM Powerlink on my Shimano HG chain. It fits, as expected, and performed fine on it's maiden voyage this weekend (10+ miles at China Camp).

However, when I run the chain backwards through the rear der., the Powerlink makes the der. cage jump the slightest bit, as would a stiff link. Should this condition worry me, are there any specific remedies, and can it be expected to improve over time?

TIA
Do you pedal backwards?

How old is your chain? My guess is that the PowerLink, being brand new, is a slightly different shape than the rest of the chain, which has at least some wear on it. So, it interfaces with the cogs differently, and the gap between old and new links is enough to make the cage jump slightly.

Are you using a 9spd Powerlink on an 8spd chain?

Sydney: no, I don't pedal backwards. Reading between the lines, I should just not effin' worry about it. I can dig that.

Demoncyclist: the chain is only four months old, and I take good care of it in terms of lube, but yes, uneven wear could be the issue.

Seely: 9-speed Powerlink (the gold one) for a 9-speed chain.

Overall, it's not really an issue, but it makes a bit of noise on an otherwise very quiet drivetrain. That is my nit to pick.

Sydney: no, I don't pedal backwards. Reading between the lines, I should just not effin' worry about it. I can dig that.

Demoncyclist: the chain is only four months old, and I take good care of it in terms of lube, but yes, uneven wear could be the issue.

Seely: 9-speed Powerlink (the gold one) for a 9-speed chain.

Overall, it's not really an issue, but it makes a bit of noise on an otherwise very quiet drivetrain. That is my nit to pick.
Curious...... I'm thinking it's something along the lines of a wear issue, but does the power link act like a stifflink when you flex it with your hands?

Curious...... I'm thinking it's something along the lines of a wear issue, but does the power link act like a stifflink when you flex it with your hands?

No, it's nice and loose in the fingers. In fact, so loose that I was a bit nervous about the Powerlink at first, because it didn't seem to seat real strong, like with no obvious 'click'. However, as I stated, about 20 miles later and no chain-coming-apart issues.

Perhaps it is differential wear...but sort of hard to beleive as the chain is only 4-5 months old, with maybe 350-400 miles. Probably 95% of those miles are dirty, dusty trail miles, but I degrease and relube religiously.