Chain replacement and installation question

Discussion in 'The Workshop' started by xflite, Aug 11, 2014.

  1. xflite

    xflite New Member

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    Hey STR Gurus! Lol! Well it was time for a new chain and I got the 10XL Gold KMC one for my 3x10 Drivetrain - my questions are:

    1.) when you buy a 10 speed chain, some people say its a 10 speed chain just put it on and go - some say you need to measure accordingly and cut it to length before install - which is the right way to do it?

    2.) after installation using a master link - have you noticed during the first few cranks it makes a weird "shifting noise" - although its not shifting it makes a thud-shifting noise and after a few cranks it vanished. Is that normal for a newly installed chain?

    Just wanted to hear from the STR Crew on there thoughts.

    Thanks
     
  2. redwoods

    redwoods Active Member

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    Regarding chain length - it's easiest to lay out your old chain and use it as a guide...cut the new one to match.

    As for the noise...did it go away after a few cranks? Maybe the master link wasn't properly locked at first?
     
  3. noweyout

    noweyout Can't kick dirt habit!!

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    For the noise, I would clean and relube the chain. Personally, I never liked the factory lube and it goes away right after I do this.

    Also, clean your drivetrain.
     
  4. xflite

    xflite New Member

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    Yeah at first I thought it was skipping.... After a few heavy cranks it vanished and throughout my 4 hour ride up and down it didn't act up
     

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