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My chain sucks


StevieG's picture

By StevieG - Posted on 29 March 2014

I've recently changed the chain and cassette on my bike and I'm getting a lot of chain suck at the underside of the cranks just where the chain should part ways with the chainring and head to the back wheel. It's particularly bad when under load on the granny ring and was especially bad on lap 5 of a very muddy Awaba today. The new chain has a split link in it.

Just looking for thoughts from the group - would you suggest removing the split link or does it sound like new chainrings might be required?

[Mod. moved to MTB gear]

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Fatboy's picture

In my experience chain suck only happens either when the chain/chain ring combo are worn or you have extremely muddy conditions. I suggest your rings need replacing or at least the smaller one that is sucking.

Pete B's picture

Where you using wet lube?

I noticed a bit of chain suck on my 6th lap as the oil had dried out.

Zoom's picture

+1 Worn chainring.

Simon C's picture

Read instructions but if it's a shimano chain they are made to have the writing on the outside - if not shitty shifting and chain suck( don't ask how I know )

Hugor's picture

Check your chainring teeth. As they wear they become hook shaped and don't release the chain at the bottom.
When they start looking like dolphin fins they need replacing.

GAZZA's picture

Sometimes you get little burrs where the chain has worn/compressed the alloy. You can get a round file and file them smooth to give a bit of extra life.
To be honest though. If you have to go out and buy a round file then you might as well put the money towards a new chainring!

CyclinAl's picture

Previously mentioned that the small chainring is probably the one needing replacement.
I tend to disagree as the chainring you use most is the one that wears quicker and it's usually not the small one (unless you do most of your pedaling in the small chainring...)

StevieG's picture

Thanks for the info. Will check the chainring tonight. The chain and cassette are both new. The mud and lack of wet lube probably didn't help at the weekend, but there was a hint of chainsuck before the event when I was setting the bike up so I suspect the chainring is the main culprit.

ChopStiR's picture

Broken Free hub?

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