ryanisinallofus

Once per crank rotation my bike makes a "click" particularly if I'm pedaling with any sort of force.

I took it in to two places and both thought it was a sticky link but ruled it out upon inspection.

The second place thought it was the top pully in my derailleur wobbling back and forth. Or it was otherwise related to me having a 6 speed chain and a new Derore LX Rapid Rise derailleur. He showed me the top pulley wobbling a little more than it should but you can't replicate the clink unless pedaling.

I have a 6 speed Uniglide Cassette so replacing the cassette is unlikely.

He recommended just finishing off the restoration with a new rear wheel (need to cold set my frame to 130) and putting a new chain and modern cassette on there. Also a new BB which could be contributing as well.

I guess I could also just get a NOS derailleur (need long cage) or put new pulleys on my 1989 6 speed Deore and clean that up.

But I want to make sure this even sounds plausible. The mechanic certainly knew what he was talking about but a second opinion is nice when spending this much money.

mike_s

Rotation of what? Crank? Wheel? Chain? They all rotate at different rates.

ryanisinallofus

Sorry, crank.

mike_s

If it clicks synchronous to crank rotation, the clink shouldn't be related to anything in the rear. Suspect pedals or the bottom bracket, or a front cog (bent tooth?). It could also be the chain hitting the front der, if the front cogs have some runout (which can be exaggerated when pedaling hard).

ryanisinallofus

Thanks. I'll try BB first since I should have just replaced it when I bought the bike.

ryanisinallofus

But using my new Deore LX with a 6 speed chain and cassette should have no ill effect other than some touchy shifting right? And to be honest I feel this 6 speed mismatch is less troublesome than a perfectly set up 9 speed anyway. Lots of room for error as I run friction.

Capecodder

Pull both cranks off the bottom bracket then clean the spiddle tapers, and crank arm tapers. Put a very thin layer of grease on the spindle tapers, and reassemble. Give this a try, as I've had this problem on more then one occasion. I've run many 6 speed chains on 9 speed derailleurs with no problems at all.

FastJake

Terrible advice. If the noise only happens with the rotation of the cranks, it's coming from somewhere in that area. The first thing I'd do is throw some different pedals on. I thought my BB was going bad (clunking feeling once per rotation), and when I replaced the pedals it went away.

If that doesn't work make sure the crank arms are tight.

Whatever you do, don't take it back to the mechanic that told you to replace the wheel. Replacing the chain and cassette might be needed, especially if it's skipping under load, but not if it only happens at one point on the cranks.

ryanisinallofus

Replaced my BB and the clink is gone. Thanks guys.


As for the 6 speed chain and my new derailleurs: Iv'e had no problems shifting. I think the guy thought I was indexed or something.


@Capecodder I like your Univega. Nice.