Don't assume your chain and cassette are worn if the chain skips!

[Fordulike]

If your chain is skipping cogs on the cassette, usually in the highest gear, then don't always assume that a worn chain and cassette is the issue.

I usually find that when my chain starts skipping on the 11T cog, it's a dirt build up between the 11T and next cog that causes the issue. Compacted dirt sits in the space between cogs and causes the chain to ride up off the cog under power.

I use the serrated edge on one of these cheap tools to remove the crud. Best done with the rear wheel elevated, where you can spin it with the tool in between the cogs.

Kamasa Cycle Bike Motorbike Sprocket Cog Cassette Chain Claw Cleaner Brush

 

[redcup1999]

Interesting - my Greenway has just started skipping in the top couple of gears (@450 miles).

It feels like a stiff link in the chain, but I will check for compacted dirt as well as I used it in some hideous weather last week and haven't given it a "proper" clean since.

 

[EddiePJ]

It is the reason that I take a dental hook/pick with me on my rides.

 

[Fordulike]

Just an update to my post #1. Where I mention that it's best done with the rear wheel elevated, of course all you lucky peeps with hub motors, can just rotate the pedals backwards to spin the cassette.

Us BBSxx owners on the other hand

 

[Kinninvie]

Last time my chain started skipping on the 11T gear I lubed the chain with Muc Off C3 Ceramic lube and managed another 600 miles+ before it started skipping again and I could even push hard on the pedals while on full throttle and no skipping!
I wont use anything else now.
Aldi sell it when they have cycling stuff for sale.

 

[Fordulike]

Last time my chain started skipping on the 11T gear I lubed the chain with Muc Off C3 Ceramic lube and managed another 600 miles+ before it started skipping again and I could even push hard on the pedals while on full throttle and no skipping!
I wont use anything else now.
Aldi sell it when they have cycling stuff for sale.

I agree Kinninvie, although I personally use Finish Line dry teflon lube.

I think the days of using a few drops of 3 in 1 oil are over, and modern drivetrains require these better lubricants.

 

[Suppards]

When I last rode a bike the maximum rear cassette size was 6 sprockets - they were just going to 7. My new Haibike has 11 cogs! I reckon even a slight crud build-up will cause a problem. (Note to self: must put an old lolly stick in my seatbag!)

 

[Benjahmin]

(Note to self: must put an old lolly stick in my seatbag!)

Cue ride to the beach.

 

[mike killay]

My problem is that even a brand new 11 tooth cog and chain skips.
I have tried everything to stop it.
I am now seriously wondering whether it is the cog itself slipping on the splines.

 

[jarob10]

My problem is that even a brand new 11 tooth cog and chain skips.
I have tried everything to stop it.
I am now seriously wondering whether it is the cog itself slipping on the splines.

Have you checked the 'B' dimension? Distance between upper derailleur pulley and cluster should be 6mm approx I believe. You can't measure with chain in place so use dead reckoning

Set your chain as short as possible too.

 

[mike killay]

Have you checked the 'B' dimension? Distance between upper derailleur pulley and cluster should be 6mm approx I believe. You can't measure with chain in place so use dead reckoning

Set your chain as short as possible too.

I have tried every thing.
New cogs (twice)
New chain (twice,
New derailleur, new wire.
Nothing works.

 

[Fordulike]

I have tried every thing.
New cogs (twice)
New chain (twice,
New derailleur, new wire.
Nothing works.

How about changing the cassette to one with a 12T top gear. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but the chain might grip a few more teeth on the cog.

Don't know how many speeds yours is, but I actually managed to source an 8 speed cassette with a 13T top gear. Think they are a bit scarce nowadays though.

 

[mike killay]

How about changing the cassette to one with a 12T top gear. Doesn't sound like much of a difference, but the chain might grip a few more teeth on the cog.

Don't know how many speeds yours is, but I actually managed to source an 8 speed cassette with a 13T top gear. Think they are a bit scarce nowadays though.

That is what I do. The 7th gear is 12 teeth and I just ignore gear 8. Works just fine.