Pop it like its Hot
 

My chain pops when im riding...like it doesnt pop OFF but it like makes these little sounds...I guess the intervals between these sounds would be akin to the ticking of a clock.

Whatever could be wrong? Also..my chain doesnt squeak but should I oil it?

random guesses:

dirt on the chain
dirt on the sprocket
sprockets out of alignment
chain (stretched) too long

Sounds like your rear derailleur need some adjustment, and some lubricant on your chain.

CHAIN question..if you're unaware of it's being changed in the last 3 years..replace it.. NEW chains get get stretched beyond ****ioning within a few miles... cheaper ones that is .. I killed a chain some years ago on a brand new $400 bike ... before that a 300+ bike ... let alone one that's old .. a chain's the best place to start.Plus yours is clicky, just give it the boot.

But why? The noise is something I can live with...I can add more oil to it...the chain isnt going to affect the performance of my bike until it falls off. That's how I broke my derailleur though...going up a hill on 2-7 stressing the chain. The 7th gear is screwed.

Wrong.....That slipping, noisy, cranky chain will untimately ruin your cassettes if it hasn't already. Cassettes cost much more than chains.

Got any pics of your chain and cassette?

Nah come to think of it...I might wanna get that $700 digital camera before a $750 new bike.

Sounds like it needs lubed. If that doesn't happen take it into a shop for a tune up. If you don't know how to do your own maintenance that will probably be your best bet.

Digital cameras don't have to cost $700. Try $20-40.

http://www.overstock.com/search?Sear...000011779&fp=f

Check your chain for wear. To do this, measure a span of 12 full links. On a brand new chain, measuring from the center of the pins, each full link is 1" long. Over a span of 12 links, measuring from the center of the pins, if it measures less than 12 1/16", the chain doesn't need to be replaced. When the wear reaches the point that it measures 12 1/16", replace the chain. Using these guidelines, you'll prolong the life of your cassette or freewheel and chainrings immensely...........And if you install a brand new chain and it skips on the rear cogs, it means the new chain isn't meshing proplerly with the teeth on the cogs, i.e. the cassette or freewheel is worn out. Chainrings will generally last much longer than rear cogs, but a badly worn chain can wear chainrings out prematurely as well...........Time and mileage are not good indicators of chain wear, there are too many variables. The way to check chain wear is to measure, simple as that. There are even "chain checker" tools that are commonly available if you're so inclined. But a good ruler works just as well.........And yes, you should lube your chain as needed-