ken cummings

Last weekend I replaced my worn chain and cassette. I had let things get too dirty for too long and they started slipping when I took off at intersections. Now the new SRAM Powerchain with a link I can remove by hand is slipping on the new Shimano Deore LX 9 cog cassette with every pedal stroke when I am on the middle or large chain rings. Oddly it works fine on the 22-tooth granny gear. Fiddling the shift lever back and forth a little does not help. So please, what is happening? Did the LBS clerk sell me a chain that does not go with the cassette? Is there a solid fix aside from buying a new/compatible chain? And what would be the right chain? Thanks

SOS

Are the chainrings worn down as well, perhaps?

George

Try putting the chain on the small ring and the small cog and tighten the cable for the rear cassette, that should do it.

BCRider

You can test how worn your chainrings are. With the new chain on the ring being tested try to pull the chain away from the ring on the forward side of the chain run. If you can lift it away by more than 1/8 inch or 3 mm it's well on its way to being worn out. If you can easily pull it away to 3/16 or 5mm or even more then I think we just found your problem.

If the rings are worn that far it's wise to change them as they will be wearing out your new chain all the faster.

MudPie

I've been running SRAM chain on a Shimano XT (9 spd) cassette for many, many years, without a problem. I assume your chain is for a 9 speed set up, and is of the correct length. Which SRAM chain are you using?

You might want to check for a tight link.

ken cummings

A. I have no idea which SRAM chain it is. The little installation leaflet in the little chain case does not say. I could go back to the shop.

B. Interesting ideas about checking chain ring wear. I'll do it in the morning. I kind of doubt they are worn enough as I use the little ring a lot grinding up hills around here and it gives no trouble. I ride some of the same hills Leipheimer trains on.

C. In the big - big combination I have several links to spare and several links too many in the small - small. It still works in both though.

D. I'll try that small - small cable tightening anyway.

After the initial posting I put a dab of Phil Wood's "Tenacious Oil" on each link in the chain and the moving parts in the rear derailluer. After a few minutes riding carefully around my neighbor's helipad the problem was greatly reduced. Maybe the chain had been on the shelf at the LBS for too long? I will still do the recommended things as I have a row of eight little scars from where the big ring enbedded itself in my right calf last summer. Thanks all.

MudPie

I hate to open this can of worms, but I always degrease a new chain and then apply my favorite lube.

BikeGarage

My guess is that your rear derailer needs some adjustment. The chains are all compatible between the brands assuming the chain matches your gears. I mean you should used 9-speed chain on a 9-speed transmission. SRAM chain will work on Shimano cassette and vise versa. Check Park Tool site for details - https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

You also may lube cables - it will definitely help your system to index properly.

Rowan

Do you still have the box the chain came in? Does it have the label with the model number on it? If the model number goes something like PC-870 (the key number being that 8), then you have an eight speed chain on a nine-speed cassette, whilch may be problematic because it is wider than a nine-speed chain.

If the model number goes something like PC-971 (the key number this time being the 9) then the chain and cassette match, and your problem almost definitely will be the chainrings (even though you say the chain is slipping on the cassette gears).

You inevitably will need to replace the chainrings because, if as you say, you have let the transmission go too long, then they have worn to conform with the changed pitch in the old chain.

Tapeworm21

Did you measure the chain correctly?

rustguard

new chain slipping on a new cassette, definitely sounds like a tight link. May not be your fault, its easy to get a tight link from joining a chain incorrectly.

fosmith

your chainrings are worn, period.