Is this noise normal?
 

Okay, so my bike is new and it sounds like my chain is making a lot of noise! Sort of sounds like those beads you put on your kids spokes. The chain maybe isn't aligned right and is hitting the cog making noise? Has anyone else experienced this with new chains? I'm running a KMC chain.. a cheap one. Will it get quieter? I've only ridden about 30 miles so far..

Thanks guys,
Ericson Calderon

Assuming your chain tention is too tight.

So loosen my chain a tad? How much? Should I be able to see slack?

New cogs or new chains are always noisy for me while they break in a bit. Give it a month.

your chain line might be off

How can I tell if my chain line is off? Should I bring it to a LBS?

it wont harm your bike by any means,just ride it for now and let it all break in, if you really care about being a ninja, then take it to your LBS

put some lube.

+1 on i think your chain is too tight.
optimal tension is just enough so it won't derail while riding.

and on the topic of chainlines, look at the "line" of your "chain" is it fairly straight?
a new bike that was properly built shouldn't have this problem.

and if you aren't running the same width drivetrain components a little noise is nothing.

again i think your chain is too tight.

Thanks guys I'll take some pics maybe and see if I can ease up my tention. The chain is pretty tight so I'll let it break in and if it doesn go away I'll do something
about it.

How about process of elimination?
Slacken the chain tension and go for a ride.If it's quieter, problem fixed.
If not maybe check the chain line.
Is it a new off the rack bike or a custom/conversion build?

Don't wait, don't let it "break in".
Unless you want to replace your chain, cog, and chainring in a few months.
Fix the problem now. (If it is improper chain tension.)

improper chain tension = faster wear?

Custom build.

god I haven't been on here in over a year and everyone is still asking the same questions
1/8" drivetrains make a little noise even if you have the chain tension right it will make noise because no chain ring is perfectly round there is always a little noise from them

I have a 1/8" drive-train. I don't see how that would make a difference from 3/32".. And it's not a little noise, it's loud. I don't think anyone misses your arrogance.

Adjust your chain tension so that at its tightest point you can lift the bottom of the chain at its middle about 1/4". Make sure the rear wheel is centered in the frame. Also, check for any tight or kinked links in the chain. Lubricate the chain. If the noise persists, it could mean a mis-match of components leading to a bad chain line or possibly a really cheap rear cog with mis-aligned teeth. A 3/32" chain will be more tolerant of mis-alignment, because it is designed to flex sideways on multi-gear systems, whereas a 1/8" chain is not.

sadly that tends to be the response, but one should spend some time studying before asking.
Try sheldonbrown.com it is a very good resource for people new to bikes all of the info one could possibly need is on there you just need to get on there and study. If you don't I have found some crotchety old fart like me will not sugar coat things and make you a little unhappy.

good luck and keep your eyes and ears open complacency can get you killed on the road.

Haha, thanks for the info and link. So, I went to a local LBS and they told me my chain line is off by about 1/8". I asked if they could fix it and they said no, just ride it and lube it, there's no room to fix it. Hmm. So, should I take a picture and show you guys? I don't see how there isn't any room to move it, it looks like there is. It's a Leader 725TR frame and a weinmann DP-18 wheel witha formula hub (fixed/fixed), if that helps.

Thanks,
Ericson

If your chainline is off there are some tricks you can try before having to buy new components.

Such as running your chainring on the inside of the spider or flipping your cog. Otherwise you may have to buy a new bottom bracket.

do you have calipers to measure your chainline @ the hub and @ the bb? That might be a good place to start. what bb/cranks/rings?

Take a picture from the back of the bike, looking directly down the chain. Also take one of your chainring/crank setup.

I don't own calipers but I have access to some (I think/hope).

I went to another local bike store and the guy there was in a rush and didn't seem to want to talk to me but he said it's normal for single speeds and fixed gears, also he said I could lube my chain more and ease the tension on my chain but it might slip off if I hit a bump? He also said my chain doesn't need to be any looser.

Is this issue a severe? Should i be worried my components will be wearing down exponentially with each ride?

How loose is your chain? When you lift on it, how far does it move up? Are there tight spots as you rotate your crank?

who cares most people replace cogs and rings every year or two any ways

btw you can get these handy little bb spacers from the bike shop buy one or two see if moving you bb out to the right helps if not get a shorter spindle bb make sure it isn't the same right side length

your bb is either too short or too long on the drive side

see I can be nice when you ask the right questions

The chain moves up about a half an inch when I pull up from the center between the two sprockets.

Retem: Haha, you're actually really helpful, thank you. I can actually see part of the BB sticking out of the frame, maybe about 1/32"...eh more like 1/16", actually.

I hope you guys don't mind iphone pics, they're uploading right now..hold up a sec for them.

Oh, and The guy at the LBS was saying something about tight and loose spots in the chain, I don't really know what they are though..