Hi everyone and thanks for any help you can offer! Recently installed a new chain (KMC DLC 11 speed chain) on my Shimano XT 11 speed cassette. The bike previously had a standard KMC 11 speed chain if that is at all relevant. Bike made no previous crunching noises but now with the new chain it sounds crunchy on all gears. I haven’t taken it for a full ride aside from around the corner so unsure if there is a break in period as this is my first time getting a new chain installed. Thanks for taking a look at my cassette and letting me know if it looks worn compared to the new model as this cassette only has 2000 miles on it.
by HiVidana
17 Comments
Yes very worn. The valleys of the teeth are suposed to be a near perfect circle.
The cassette doesn’t look shot enough to make it have excessive noise but it’s hard to tell. A lot of other factors can cause problems when you install a new chain. It doesn’t look like there is much lubrication going on.
Also, where did you buy the KMC chain?
The cassette does seem a bit worn espc the biggest sprocket.
The acid test is if it holds the gear under heavy load. Find your local 20%er. If the chain doesn’t slip all is good.
Yes. Very
Have you verified you didn’t route it on the wrong side of the derailleur tab? If I were to guess, that cassette is maybe 20% worn. I have several far more worn than that without issue.
How worn was the previous chain?
Looking at it personally id say its well and truly toast but I have been surprised about worn looking cassettes taking a new chain with no issues
Crunching is a sign of something being worn
Get yourself a pair of chain and cassette indicator tools or replace the cassette and see what happens
[cassette wear indicator](https://www.biketart.com/products/connex-chainring-wear-indicator?variant=54864176021878&/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmaxaccessories&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-Oi7BhA1EiwA2rIu29nRnh-Q1gZa2t56ftdpZayhoaeQeXvcEyzaJ3DKaED8T9c6M7cy9BoClcIQAvD_BwE)
Do you still have the old chain? Measure how much wear it had. If it’s more than 1% you’re likely looking at a worn out drivetrain.
Did you route the chain correctly?
Here is a thread showing a VERY common mistake.
https://www.reddit.com/r/bikewrench/comments/vm2089/chain_is_rubbing_on_the_top_of_the_shimano_altus/
Your cassette looks nearly new
Probably the RP collecting grit. Degrease the chain. KMC uses quite the sticky type.
It’s hard to tell by looking. Cassette seems alright but jockey wheels look a little worn.
Personally I’m in the habit of changing my chain, cassette, jockey wheels and chain ring all at the same time. That way they wear together and everything works together well. I don’t use expensive components so it’s not terrible to do in my case.
Your cassette looks worn.
new chains can cruch but if it is excessive it is more likely the cassette as well.
good luck!
Probably need to tweak the indexing?
Probably need to tweak the indexing?
I’ll ask just because I don’t see anyone else, is that a link Glide cassette or a HG cassette
I don’t know there’s always different rules of thumb like three chains to the life of a cassette, etc.
I reread it I see you used a KMC chain I also stopped being lazy and zoomed in definitely looks like you’ve got some wear on that cassette.
If it feels like it’s got small pieces of gravel as you’re riding that is always been an indication to me that the cassette is worn and needs to be replaced along with the chain. I have a Rolhoff cassette wear tool and I rarely use it. That crunchy feel underneath your feet is a telltale sign
What does your chainring look like?