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    Shimano chain suck with everything new


    I'm building up a rigid MTB with a XT SLX combination, everything is xt except the crankset and chainring (SLX FC-M7100-1), also everything is completely new.
    The chain is the CN-M8100, degreased as I want to try squirt lube chain wax.
    After I installed everything I experienced the chain suck as visible in the video. Is it the not yet lubricated chain, or is there another issue?

    Shimano chain suck with everything new
    byu/r45k0ln1k0w inbikewrench



    by r45k0ln1k0w

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    20 Comments

    2. Revolution-SixFour on

      Hard to tell from the video, do you have the narrow-wide profile of the chainring lined up correctly with the chain?

    3. nnnnnnnnnnm on

      Do you have the narrow wide chainring misclocked? It almost looks like you’ve managed to get the narrow tooth in the wide part of the chain and the wide tooth in the narrow part of the chain. Try advancing the chain 1 link on the chainring.

    4. NuancedFlow on

      I would lube the chain and see if you still have issues. Especially once degreased the chain really won’t work right.

    11. TyrannosauruSquatch on

      Following because I have the same exact issue..!

      I’ve tried cleaning and lubing, but maybe need to go as far as degreasing first. I’ve never had this issue in 15+ years. And have always rode parts fresh out of the box without cleaning and degreasing

      For those saying its a narrow/wide issue, it’s not (atleast not in my case, yet this video shows my exact scenario). The teeth will only line up in their proper location on the chain and cannot even be forced into the improper chain link.

    12. karlzhao314 on

      I’ve actually seen this exact issue happen before with brand new parts on previous bikes I’ve built up, and as far as I could tell absolutely nothing was wrong with those parts or the way they were assembled. In the end, I wasn’t able to fix it until I warrantied the chainring. Maybe there was a bad batch of chainrings or something.

      Lube your chain, but if that doesn’t work, take it to a shop and have them look at it and/or warranty the chainring.

      For everyone saying it’s a misclocked narrow wide – no, it 100% is not. If you’re actually familiar with these Shimano NW chainrings, you’ll know that 1. they’re practically impossible to misclock because they absolutely *will not fit at all* when misclocked, and 2. the side view is misleading such that to an untrained eye, it can *appear* misclocked.

    13. JeribZPG on

      I’ve had this before with a new chain. The protectant on the chain was tacky. I cleaned it all off REALLY well, then applied by normal lube. Worked mint.

    14. r45k0ln1k0w on

      Thanks to all!
      Yes, lubed it up and now it seems to be running smoothly!
      The NW is set up the right way, it’s not possible to fit it wrong with these Shimano iterations, as others already explained.
      Also the chain tension and chain line are both correct:)
      A lot of nice people giving nice answers! Thanks again!

    16. TSR_Kurt on

      I’ve had this but it goes away in once the chain and chainwheel wear in, even just a little. I also use Squirt (life changing) and notice it takes a ride or two for the chain stick to fully go away. You might feel a small vibration in the pedals and this will smooth out too.

      In discussions with mechanics more experienced than myself, the reason is the tight tolerances Shimano 12sp has between the chain and chainring. Makes sense to help prevent dropping the chain.

    18. tyresmoke on

      Keeping your drivetrain clean is key, but I find thinner liquid lubes really attract dirt and require regular cleaning.

      I recommend a light wax lube like Squirt, which requires you to complete degrease the chain and rest of the drive train. When I say completely degrease the chain, I mean like soaking it in mineral spirits for 24 hours and rinsing clean with Isopropyl Alcohol. I find that regular application of this puhes dirt away from the roller to the outside of the chain and limits friction buildup between teeth and chain.

      Another option are other ‘self cleaning’ lubes that require less up front prep. The Wolftooth WT1 lube looks to be a promising option. I also don’t mind Muc-Off Dry, but it requires more regular cleaning vs my Squirt lubed bike.

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