I recently waxed my chain (which is brand new) and i noticed when i am in the smallest gear that the chain starts jumping when I put force on the pedals.
I noticed when I pedaled backwards that the chain gets stuck on one tooth from the other cog.
Does anyone have a suggestion on how I could resolve this without buying a new cassette?
Chain jumps when I put force on the pedals
byu/M_C_J8 inbikewrench
by M_C_J8
26 Comments
Seems like indexing isn’t on point,
https://youtu.be/UkZxPIZ1ngY?si=0KrVdJWR_dyD6AXA
Time to learn how to adjust a derailleur.
I usually have the same problem with new waxed chains. It takes like 20-30 miles to settle in and then it runs smoothly.
But make sure you really got the correct chain and it is mounted correctly (direction wise).
Pedaling backwards is not a thing to determine something is wrong with your cassette. Clean off the pulley wheels from excess wax and make sure the newly wax chain is ridden for around 20 minutes to break in. Should be as it was before.
Also, 12s tends to not like to be backpedaled as an 11s. Could be hub related maybe as well though.
If it’s skipping after you’ve installed a new chain then it’s likely that the cassette is worn due to not replacing the previous chain soon enough or you’ve been through too many chains.
The smallest cog skips the most from cassette wear.
maybe measure the old chain and see how stretched it is
Have you set the limit screw correctly? I had similar problems before, adjusting the cable tension doesn’t solve it entirely, i fixed it by adjusting the limit screw
When you replaced the chain, did you check it with a chain checker to see how worn it is? Wait too long with replacing a chain and you’ll wear down the cassette to the point where a new chain will jump like yours. Replace chains timely and a cassette can live through quite a few chains.
Hows your shifting? Try moving your barrel adjuster! Iv had a chain skip with gears even slightly out of adjustment.
Have you measured the chainline at the front sprocket? Is it in spec?
Looks like hard pulling is causing the next chainring to lift the chain. Think about those mechanics. Make sure everything is tight and has minimal tolerances. Are the spacers in the correct order? Also could just be that one tooth is a bit warped. Check the tolerance of the upper jockey wheel.
Replace the cassette
if its only the smallest cog you can sometimes buy just that cog and replace it
Its just catching on the next cog. I know you said the indexing is fine but it’s not. The derailleur needs to move outward slightly. If it’s a cable, you need to loosen the cable. If electronic, it needs to be adjusted accordingly.
What is the current condition of the existing cassette? how much do you ride at high torque on the smallest cog? those would be good bits of information to help you. A common reason for your problem is a worn out cog. Is your cassette brand new? is this why you don’t want to buy a new one? or have you gone a while trying not to buy a new one? which is it?
EDIT: Also check whether there is wax accumulation in the gap between the two smallest cogs, That can be another reason for skipping. Using a sharp tool or pick while turning the wheel can be an easy way to remove any wax clog.
I’m no expert but in the beginning of your video where it’s being turned slowly you can see it contacting the next gear and being pushed back. Looks like a derailer adjustment or as someone else pointed out your cassette could be worn.
Is that a 12-speed chain? If you inadvertently were to be using an 11-speed chain then the width might be causing it to catch.
is nobody going to say that this looks like small chainring to small sprocket crosschain? its got all the symptoms.
replace cassete, i would go for 11-28 couse it looks like you dont use those big boys
Is that chain actually on a cog? Would think should be able to see the tops of the teeth in the first angle of the video.
Adjust high limit or add a bit of cable slack to let the derailleur move a bit more outboard.
You’ve said that the indexing is fine, which means shifting up and down the cassette is working as expected. In the video you’re in the smallest cog of the cassette and it looks like the chain slightly catches the second cog, but not enough to shift.
I would take a look at your high limit screw as it may be tightened slightly too far, meaning the derailleur isn’t quite in the centre when you’re in the smallest cog. Turn it half a turn anti clockwise and see if that solves the problem.
I had a similar issue, played about for a while adjusting limit/b screws and realised my rear mech hanger was pretty much touching the chain stay, even with the b screw as far as it could go. Turns out I just needed to loosen the rear mech and pull it back, re- tighten and tourque properly. Must of changed position due to bumpy roads/loose fixing bolt.
Do you have a magic link(quick link) on the chain? Make sure it’s not upside down, it happened to me and I had exactly the same symptoms. Make sure the curved side is the one touching the cassette.
I think cable tension is slightly too tight?
New chain with old cassette and skips when pedaling…… Oldest tale out there. The cassette is worn, fucked, toasted, what ever you wanna call it. Time for a new one. Keep in mind check the hanger and limit screws first ( you might get lucky).
Are you sure you installed a 12 speed chain? These chaines are slightly narrower than 11 speed chains. Also check the pully wheels on excessive wax and pollution.