Shimano Chain Replacement

[IFBikeMD]

I replaced the Shimano HG-53 (I believe) chain on my Kona this afternoon. The old chain had a couple of bent links and other issues that were not directly affecting performance. It's now shifting beyond the big chain ring in the back and wouldn't shift to the small until I made some adjustments to the limit screw. The chain appeared to come pre-oiled. Before I go messing with the deraillieur further, I'm wondering if I've missed something. Should the chain be lubed again? Did I miss something with this reinforced pin thing?

It's got dark and I called it a day. Any comments would be appreciated.

Here's hoping that I shouldn't have left well enough alone...

- James

[markie@unformat]

Errr,

Changing a chain wont have any effect on the limit screws..... So errr.

But the horrible stuff the chains come in is best removed with some nice biodegradeable degreaser (finish line citrus). Then use your lube of choice, well as long as it is not KY.

[bikerRob]

... It's now shifting beyond the big chain ring in the back and wouldn't shift to the small until I made some adjustments to the limit screw. The chain appeared to come pre-oiled. Before I go messing with the deraillieur further, I'm wondering if I've missed something. Should the chain be lubed again? James
10/24/04 >> This could be caused my any number of problems...
1) did you use too many links on the new chain? Too loose of a chain can skip real easy.
2) did you use an eight speed chain or a nine speed chain?
3) sometimes a frozen (stiff) link on the new chain can cause a chain to skip and jump. Examine each link and loosen if tight. WD-40 works real good for this...wiggle it back and forth till if loosens. If that doesn't work you might have to use a chain tool to loosen it up.
I really doubt that your rear deraillier adjustment is the problem unless you had problems before the new chain. If it was out of alignment I would adjust with the barrel adjuster first.
As for the new grease that comes on a new chain, ditto everything Markieunformat said.

[Dirt]

I say this to everyone who changes their chain. You need to change your chain often. If you let your chain wear too long, the chain stretchs and the cogs and chainrings wear along with the longer chain. That is all fine and well until you change the chain.

If you run a new chain with worn cogs and chain rings, you get all kinds of shifting problems. Chain suck and ghost shifting are two symptoms. Sometimes overshifting happens too.

My guess is that Rob is correct in saying that the chain may be too long. Take a good look at the chainrings and cogs and see if they are worn evenly.

Markie is also right that you should remove the wax that comes on the chain and use the lube of your choice. The first time you lube the chain is important because that is possibly the only time that it will ever be really clean.

Hopefully that helps a little.

Peter

[IFBikeMD]

Thanks for the tips. I didn't get a chance to work on the bike today.

I bought the same make and model of chain that I replaced. I counted the links and made sure I had the same number. Since the chains were the same length, I don't think the old chain had stretched out much in the eight or so months since I got the bike. I think it's probably just the need to clean and lube the new chain. Markie, I bet rubbers are a great idea when dealing with lube... gloves that is... Safe lubing. :D LOL

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

- James