That old chestnut: chain dropping down off top cog when back pedaling

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ChrisJC

Likes Bikes and Dirt
I’ve been running a 32 nw chainring with an XT 11-42 cassette and kmc x11 el chain. Chainline is 49 mm and after 6 months, the chain has started dropping when backpedalling. I have been rotating 2 chains and they have very little stretch at this stage. Is it timr for a new cassette? Perhaps rotating chainds isn’t such s great idea as each chain can be fitted 4 different ways.

I have read on some other forums that some riders have better success with sram chains?

Any tips to get a bit more life from my current cassette! Please hold on the “don’t back pedal” advice!

Cheers
CC
 
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Flow-Rider

Flow-Rider

Burner
Those KMC el chains are a good chain but they seem to stretch a lot faster than the XT chains I've noticed.

Check that nothing has any play in it, like a loose rear through bolt. Badly worn cassettes normally give you a skipping chain in the lower gears.
 
pink poodle

pink poodle

気が狂っている男
Firstly...stop looking at other forums. You're part of the gang now and those other forums can suck a fart.

When did you last clean out inside your freehub? That can get a bit sticky sometimes. Also check your derailleur tune and the hanger alignment.
 
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ChrisJC

Likes Bikes and Dirt
pink poodle said:
Firstly...stop looking at other forums. You're part of the gang now and those other forums can suck a fart.

When did you last clean out inside your freehub? That can get a bit sticky sometimes. Also check your derailleur tune and the hanger alignment.
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well I wouldn’t look at other forums if the search feature on this forum didn’t suck balls!


Everything is good re alignment. Chain has perhaps 1/3 link total stretch vs a new one. I tried a nee chain but the result was the same. Worst case scenario is I ditch the csssette!
 
cokeonspecialtwodollars

cokeonspecialtwodollars

Fartes of Portingale
I realise you didn't want "don't pedal backwards" advice but are you looking for a solution to a problem that doesn't need solving? How often does the chain skip in this manner on a ride, does it not resolve itself by pedalling forwards again, how much does it really affect your riding experience? What's a new cassette worth $100-ish.
 
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ChrisJC

Likes Bikes and Dirt
cokeonspecialtwodollars said:
I realise you didn't want "don't pedal backwards" advice but are you looking for a solution to a problem that doesn't need solving? How often does the chain skip in this manner on a ride, does it not resolve itself by pedalling forwards again, how much does it really affect your riding experience? What's a new cassette worth $100-ish.
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No it’s not a real issue, just a minor annoyance. I’m pretty particular about things running as they should. Creaks and squeaking in particular drive me nuts!
 
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ChrisJC

Likes Bikes and Dirt
moorey said:
No, worst case is you buy a new one, and chain, and it still happens. All mine do. I never backpedal in the biggest cog...but you don’t want to hear that.
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Thanks Moorey, you’re right! I’ll probably just put up with it. I’m more curious as to why it went 5 odd months without any issues.

Btw, i don’t usually back pedal, it’s more an issue when I’m on a steep climb and have to dismount for whatever reason. I turn the crank backwards to remount and it drops down.
 
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ChrisJC

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Thanks guys, I’ll give a Sram chain a go and see what happens. I need a spare for my wifes bike anyhow so no loss if it doesn’t work. I”ll recheck everything just in case!
 
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Daniel Hale

She fid, he fid, I fidn't
just take out one link, also consider waxing your chain - much better than lube, as it doesn't get sticky anymore when you're using it. doesn't pick up dirt & shit & your litte jockey satys nice & clean [i tend to agree with morrey, WhyTF are peeps back peddlin whe you're not on a SS?]

PS i often buy the cheapest nastiest chains i can get my hands on - makes me feel dirty, u shouldn't need to change chains

how many hrs/km's have u done in 6 months?
 
Oddjob

Oddjob

Merry fucking Xmas to you assholes
ChrisJC said:
well I wouldn’t look at other forums if the search feature on this forum didn’t suck balls!


Everything is good re alignment. Chain has perhaps 1/3 link total stretch vs a new one. I tried a nee chain but the result was the same. Worst case scenario is I ditch the csssette!
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Umm thats a lot of stretch. Between 0.75% and 1% is time to change the chain. Use a chain checker or check out Sheldon Brown and use a ruler.

Sram chains suck. Shimano are better. Plain jane Kmc x11 are good. Wipperman/Mavic and Rohloff are the best.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
 
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ChrisJC

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Oddjob said:
Umm thats a lot of stretch. Between 0.75% and 1% is time to change the chain. Use a chain checker or check out Sheldon Brown and use a ruler.

Sram chains suck. Shimano are better. Plain jane Kmc x11 are good. Wipperman/Mavic and Rohloff are the best.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk
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Maybe 5mm over the total length. Chain checker doesn’t drop in at this stage.
 
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