It was Walt who brought my chain/derailleur issue to the fore. During a climb up Shalona where he had to listen to my rear derailleur idlers and cassette make cacophonous music together. Afterwards he pointed out that there may be and adjustment issue with my rear derailleur. This might also explain why he dropped me after a few minutes. It was quite a racket.
Little did he know that the preload adjustment was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The ride the passes event on Sunday revealed just how bad the situation was. When I shifted down to the 30-tooth chainring strange noises came from my rear wheel. At first I thought that it might be my shiny new wheel's spokes finding their places under the load of climbing Coalbank. A ping or two now and again would be expected, but this sounded like a badger trying to dig his way out of a piano. It's a new chain I reminded myself. A Shimano, no less. What gives? I stopped several times to investigate only to be all the more puzzled. The chain was slapping the spokes and playing variations on "Who's Sorry Now?" The only "fix" was to stay off the 30-tooth chainring and tough it out.
Back at the ranch I decided to try shortening the chain. Easy-peasy. Whip out the chain breaker tool thingy (CBTT) and have at it. Let's start with two links and see what happens. Breaking a chain and shortening it is simple enough. How about putting it back together? Would be nice to have another one of those special pins that come with the new chain. You know, the pin that easily slides in place to be driven home with the CBTT? What about using the old one? Should be okay, right? Here's the plan. Hold one end of the chain and the CBTT in the left hand. In the right place the other end of the chain in the CBTT and use one finger from the left hand to keep it there. So far, so good. Now place the old pin over the holes in the links. Notice however you position any of the afore mentioned items, the pin will not stay still. Give the screw on the CBTT a turn and try to capture the pin in just the right spot. Looks like its there, so give the CBTT a couple of quick turns to drive it home. Notice also that the links have slipped out, the pin is on the floor and the CBTT part that pushes the pin is badly bent off center. Not to worry. A pair of pliers is just the thing to align the CBTT pin pusher bit.
Parenthetically, I could coin another acronym for CBTT pin pusher bit (CBTTPPB), but it raises the issue of typing it each time or cutting and pasting. I like acronyms as much as the next guy. Probably more, in point of fact. That said, it's probably best not to overuse them. Five acronyms in a short essay is a sensible limit. Four might seem wanting. Six is overdoing it. Seven, dare I say, is plain foolhardy. While we're on the topic, how many letters should a proper acronym have? One would think at least two and not more than five. That would include TV and ASPCA, two perfectly serviceable acronyms. CBTTPPB seems a bit long at seven letters and as it's not likely to be used much, it might be better to forgo its coining. But, I digress.
With the CBTT somewhat repaired, it's time for a second try and a second failure. This time the CBTT was pronounced DOA and retired to the TC (trash can). Upon close inspection, it was decided that the chain should join the CBTT as well, thus ending one evening's efforts to get to the bottom of the musical spokes problem.
Today's plan is a fresh start with a fresh chain. Yes sir, nothing like a fresh start. Chin up and march right into the bike shop for a brand new chain and a new CBTT. This time it'll be one of those with the master link that comes apart with a flick of the wrist and none of that driving the pin nonsense. Nothing like an ounce of prevention. Only one other person in line at the service counter and then it's my turn to be on my way, chain in hand to fight the good fight. I've even brought the old chain box with me to avoid confusion. No more slip-ups now.
It's my turn. I ask the mechanic for a 9-speed chain. In a sympathetic tone he explains that he doesn't want to sell me a chain unless he can fit it to my bike. I'm somewhat taken aback. This sounds serious. Fitting a chain to a bike? Don't they come ready to go right out of the package? What if you're not sure just how long the chain should be? Suddenly, my confidence level has plunged from the Julie-Andrews-Sound-of-Music kind to the Luca-Brasi-sleeps-with-the-fishes kind. I take my hands off the counter.
In a more conciliatory tone, the mechanic explains how chains are sold in lengths to accommodate the longest application and usually trimmed back as necessary. He points out how the instructions in the SRAM package explain exactly how this is done. Run the chain around the biggest chainwheel and cassette from outside the derailleur and add two links. Simple. A weight has been lifted from my chest. I can breath now. Along with the chain and a new CBTT, I bought two pins with the break-off tips so that I might resurrect the Shimano chain languishing in the TC.
Back at the ranch again, I made short work of fitting the new chain to my bike. A quick test and it shifts like a dream. No more Keith Moon chain solo on the spokes. Now to trim the ruined bits off the Shimano chain and pick up a spare, so to speak. Today was garbage day. My Shimano chain sleeps with the trashes.
-Gregg Senne
