Eric

Does anybody know if GF worked out the chain suck issues they had with there 2002 Sugars? I have read a few reviews on the 2003 models and some people still mention chain suck. If there is still an issue, is there a fix? Is there a fix for the 2002 as well?
Asking because I really like the bike and it fits me perfectly. My LBS has a 2002 Sugar 3 for $900 and it is very tempting. thanx

moabrider47

I don't know about the specifics regarding the Fisher and its problems, but there are products to help prevent chain suck. I think I saw them most recently in a cambriabike catalog. There were a few designs to keep the chain from dropping onto the bottom bracket shell. I've never used one nor talked to anyone who has so I can't vouch for how well they work. It would also be worth checking out whether or not ther suspension design on the Sugar would interfere with how these things attach to the bike. These won't stop the chain from dropping off the inner ring, but at least the BB shell won't be dinged up, and you won't have to go prying the chain out from the inner ring and the bike. I would think that a regularly maintained and adjusted derrailleur would help to keep the chain from dropping down in the first place also.

-Moab

PeterG1185

if you like the bike, and it souds like you do, just swap out the crankset before you leave the shop. From what i've been reading that's what seems to be the major problem in the chainsuck issue

a2psyklnut

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BTW, I took a link out of the chain (from factory set length) and Chain suck hasn't been a problem.

I think the factory makes the chain too long, and as a result there is some extra slap associated that the rear derailleur cannot compensate for.

I check in the big-big to check for length and it didn't stress the derailleur, I then checked in small-small and the chain didn't drag the bottom pulley (it did before I removed the link).

L8R

eastcostrider

My Friend is having the same problem with his GF sugar 3.
everytime we go riding he gets chain suck. We have tried cleaning his entire drivechain and even replaced the all the front sprockets( they were a little beat up) but nothing worked.
i'll have to tell him some of your guys seggestions

Lost Coyote

Both the GF Sugars and the Trek Fuels can suffer from chain suck. Most of the problems occur when shifting down from the mid to the little ring. The problem occurs esp. when the suspension is loaded. For example in the base of a gully just as you "G" out, if you are down shifting as the same time (in antisipation of the climb up the other side), the chain can suck up an become lodged aginst the piviot. I have a Trek Fuel 100 (love the bike) but have had major problems even after upgrading to all XTR drivetrain. I have also tried Shimano and Sram chains with no effect. There was a bunch of talk going around about frames being mis-aligned and Trek and GF were indeed replacing deemed to be "mis-aligned" I managed to break my frame (a the seat stay) and Trek replaced the frame. Same chain suck as with the previous frame.

The remedy is to not shift when the suspension is loaded and there is little to no tension on the drive train. Keep the chain as clean and use as little of lube as you can get by with. Also wear of mid chainring an important factor. Also when replacing chain rings, change your chain at the same time.

mtbkanata

I'm not sure about this Chain Suck.. I've read it everywhere, and I own a 2001 Sugar 3.. no suck on my bike. I broke off a crank-arm, so I upgraded to raceface prodigy.. as long as your bike is set up right, there should be no issue... Biggest thing, test the bike out yourself.. see if you get chain suck... if you like the ride, then buy it.. you might pass up a good deal cuz someone posted a bad review!

Joe

mrfix

CHeck your small chain ring, I bet you'll find the teeth wide at the bottom of the tooth, file them even and ride away without the chainsuck, most all shimano XT, LX, and deore cranck sets have this problem if you ride in the small ring a lot, it's caused by the chain when it wears the chain ring under load. Just shift into the big ring and run your finger along the side of the small ring, you will feel the teeth wider at the base, The 9 spped chain is narrow enough to catch there and hang on just long enough to wrap up on you. I have seen smoe new rings with this problem, it must have something to do with the way they're made. I have to file the thing about once every 1500 miles of riding.

Eric

Thanx for all the input. I really do like the bike and if it is a problem that can be fixed (if the problem even occurs) I will know what to do. Thanx again everyone