SEARCH:

SURVEY
SUBSCRIBE
Current Issue
Advertise
Contact
Digital Issue
Preview








FEATURES: ASK RC: QUIETING CASSETTE NOISE
August 19, 2009


I'm running a Campy Record 9 speed setup on my Giant TCR carbon frameset, the drivetrain shifts perfectly all throughout the cassette range. The only weirdness is on the 17 tooth and 19th tooth I am experiencing noisy ticking as I ride in these cogs in the large chainring only – what gives? The chain is a Record 9 speed that has a little over a thousand miles on it.  Does the chain need to be replaced already? It is driving me nuts, but I don't want to change the tension on the rear derailleur because the shifting is so perfect. I don't see any contact with the front derailleur at all, but when I put the bike on a stand I can hear the noise emanating from the cassette.
– Frank

Check your chain length – first by running the big-ring-big-cog combination and then by using the small-small combination. If you can get away with adding a link, then you may solve the problem because the extra slack will keep the rear derailleur’s upper pulley closer to the cogs and thus exert more influence over the chain for shifting. Another cause may be a bent dropout or derailleur hanger. The change in angle as the derailleur sweeps across the cassette throws off the indexing slightly – adjusting the changer so it shifts crisply on one side will throw off its shifting on the opposite end of the cassette. Take the bike to a pro shop that has frame checking and alignment tools. Park Tools has a frame alignment tool and an online dealer locator that can help you find a pro shop near you. Check them out at: www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=48&item=DAG%2D2

Contact Richard Cunningham for questions or comments, or just to talk bikes at: askRC@roadbikeaction.com
Bookmark and Share

MOST POPULAR STORIES
 RBA Test: Cannondale EVO
 First Look: 2013 Shimano Dura-Ace
 Being There: Amgen Tour of California Pit Row
 Tour of California Tech: Team Exergy Goes Gold
NEW RELEASES
 Amgen Tour of California, Stage 8
 Giro d'Italia, Satge 15
 Tour of California, Beverly Hills Photo Album
 Team TIBCO Heads North


- Dirt Wheels - ATV Action - Motocross Action -Dirt Bike -Mountain Bike Action - BMX Plus!Advertise - Sponsored Link Info -
Copyright 2012 Hi-Torque Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.