Tech Question of the Day

Hey, just a note that since I am a professional bicycle mechanic, I am glad to answer any tech questions you may have out there concerning your bicycle(s). Today's question is from "Jed", who writes.....

Hey GT, Quick wrench question... I recently put a new chain on my mtb, along with the necessary new middle chainring. I'm still getting some slippage - chain length is correct, I'm sure. Any thoughts? Thanks!Jed
9:11 AM.

Well, Jed, you mention that you changed the chain and middle chainring on your mountain bike, but don't forget your cassette cogs! Remember that anytime you change one part of the drivetrain, that the new parts may not mesh with the old ones, which can certainly cause "skipping", or poor shifting. Those cassette cogs actually wear out faster than your middle chainring does. The cassette cogs come in contact with the chain more times than the bigger front chainrings do, plus the force applied to the big rings is spread out over more teeth, reducing wear and tear. I'd make sure to change out the cassette, and I think you'll find your skipping will go bye-bye!

Now, it is possible that something else is causing your problem, like a bent derailluer hanger, mal-adjusted shifter cable, dirty cables, or bent cogs, but if everything was pretty good before you changed parts, I doubt it.

If any one out there has any other questions, just give me a shout here, in the "post a comment" section, or at seveneye7@mchsi.com . I'll be glad to try to help you!