Chain skipping question

[Sprockethead]

Hey All, I need some help...
I purchased a new bash guard, middle ring, and chain for my bike. Yesterday, I swapped out the middle ring and big ring with my new stuff and installed a new chain. Now, my bike keeps skipping outta the smallest cog in the back onto the next biggest one. I can shift through all the gears with no problems. The only problem I'm having is the chain won't stay in the smallest cog in the rear. The cassette is only 5 months old. The cranks are also the same age, they're XT cranks with the outter ball bearing cups.

I've checked the derailleur hanger and it's straight. Prior to the swap, the bike shifted flawlessly. The only reason I swapped out the middle ring was because I was getting micro suck and I lost a tooth off it. The big ring got bashed on a rock. So, what do you guys think? Please don't tell me to replace the cassette.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

Hey All, I need some help...
I purchased a new bash guard, middle ring, and chain for my bike. Yesterday, I swapped out the middle ring and big ring with my new stuff and installed a new chain. Now, my bike keeps skipping outta the smallest cog in the back onto the next biggest one. I can shift through all the gears with no problems. The only problem I'm having is the chain won't stay in the smallest cog in the rear. The cassette is only 5 months old. The cranks are also the same age, they're XT cranks with the outter ball bearing cups.

I've checked the derailleur hanger and it's straight. Prior to the swap, the bike shifted flawlessly. The only reason I swapped out the middle ring was because I was getting micro suck and I lost a tooth off it. The big ring got bashed on a rock. So, what do you guys think? Please don't tell me to replace the cassette.

(1) Check the limit screws on the derailleur. The low limit may be holding the derailleur too far up from the smallest cog.

(2) Adjust the cable tension with the barrel adjuster. With the wheel off the ground shift onto second smallest cog. While turning the crank increase the cable tension until the chain starts to jump up to the 3rd cog. Then back off slightly.

[Neccros]

Chainline off??

[Sprockethead]

Originally Posted by Neccros

Chainline off??

You know, I was thinking chainline but does removing the big ring and replacing it with a bash guard change it that much? I looked at the chain line from the front of the cranks and it was fairly straight from the cassette to the middle ring. There was a little bend/tilt to it, but when in the granny ring up front, the chain was dead on. I don't know if I'm describing it right, but I'll snap a photo later today.

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

Please don't tell me to replace the cassette.

Replace the cassette!

If you have a steel freehub a have a new Sram 9 cassette I will sell ya for $20. I am not going to use it on my King Hub.

Dean

[tkblazer]

the new chain needs to wear into the cassette now, did you also remember to shorten the chain up since you are not running a big ring?

[Sprockethead]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

the new chain needs to wear into the cassette now, did you also remember to shorten the chain up since you are not running a big ring?

Yup, sho did shorten it.

Originally Posted by dstepper

Replace the cassette!

If you have a steel freehub a have a new Sram 9 cassette I will sell ya for $20. I am not going to use it on my King Hub.

Dean

Unfortunately, I have a CK rear hub with Aluminum freehub. Thanks for the offer though. Can you put a SRAM 990 cassette on a CK hub? I know the lower line ones don't have a carrier.

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by trekker

(1) Check the limit screws on the derailleur. The low limit may be holding the derailleur too far up from the smallest cog.

(2) Adjust the cable tension with the barrel adjuster. With the wheel off the ground shift onto second smallest cog. While turning the crank increase the cable tension until the chain starts to jump up to the 3rd cog. Then back off slightly.

This is what I'd suggest too. You can try adjusting the chainline adding or removing spacers below the BB bearings. It's an XT Shimano outboard crankset right? I think the path sells some really thin spacers for this.

Possibly change the housing? There could be some gunk/rust in the housing keeping the cable from moving freely. How old's the derrailluer, any chance the spring is worn out?

Carl

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

Yup, sho did shorten it.



Unfortunately, I have a CK rear hub with Aluminum freehub. Thanks for the offer though. Can you put a SRAM 990 cassette on a CK hub? I know the lower line ones don't have a carrier.

I bought a 970 on line thinking it had a carrier...it doesn't.

Dean

[CalEpic]

I think you'll continue to have problems unless you replace the cassette. I change rings, chain and cassette all at the same time to avoid this.

If you can't use the smallest cog make sure the cable has a small amount of slack when shifted to 9. If so, adjust your high limit screw to allow the derailleur to have more travel.

On my RFX I had the same problem even with the high limit screw turned all the way out. I had to shim the derailleur out with a washer to make it work.

C

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by trekker

(1) Check the limit screws on the derailleur. The low limit may be holding the derailleur too far up from the smallest cog.

(2) Adjust the cable tension with the barrel adjuster. With the wheel off the ground shift onto second smallest cog. While turning the crank increase the cable tension until the chain starts to jump up to the 3rd cog. Then back off slightly.

I vote for checking the limits and cable tension. Even if it doesn't work, nothing lost but a few minutes. You can always go ahead and replace parts after trying this.

[Sprockethead]

Thanks all. I'm thinking I'm going to have to buy a new cassette or just forgo using the smallest cog. I just tried a bunch of everyone's suggestions and it's still doing the same thing.

I may just add a washer and shim the derailleur like Craig said. That sounds like a pretty good idea. By the way, while shopping for a cassette online, BlueSky Cycling has the SRAM Powerglide II Pg 990 cassette for $69.98. It's the one with the red carrier. I already got Jenson to price match it, now I just have to pull the trigger. Anyone recommend this cassette with CK hubs?

Thanks Again,
A

[Neccros]

I cant recommend which hubs to use, but that red carrier is damn sexy!