Thorn Cycles Forum

Technical => Transmission => Topic started by: neil_p on August 03, 2011, 03:12:28 PM

Title: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: neil_p on August 03, 2011, 03:12:28 PM

My Thorn has had an annoying click for the last couple of months... I removed the cranks, slid out the EBB, reassembled it; did an oil change; fitted new pedals (which were on their last legs)... and still this infernal clicking, every 2 or 3 pedal strokes. It seemed to be coming from the rear sprocket, but I realised that if the chain had a stiff link in it, that could make a click every time it went round the sprocket.  Lo and behold I found the stiff link.... which looked like this...

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/6005463478_ee8fdcaf11_z.jpg)

The stiff link (in the centre of the photo) has a broken roller... which may be the cause of the stiffness. I've never had a broken chain before... how exciting!  I'll remove that link from the chain and revert my EBB back to the "as new" position.

Title: Re: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: neil_p on August 03, 2011, 04:38:49 PM

Close examination of the chain has revealed 4 links in total with broken rollers... surely that's a lot for a chain that has done 8000km?

Title: Re: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: julk on August 03, 2011, 06:45:26 PM

And a Rohloff chain to boot!

If you are looking for another Rohloff chain then Triton Cycles (http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m13b184s256p2990/ROHLOFF_S-L-T_99_Silver_Chain) are the cheapest just now...

Title: Re: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: neil_p on August 03, 2011, 07:10:45 PM

Cheers. I have emailed Rohloff to see what they say... as I'm rather disappointed with the short lifespan of the chain.

If I replace the chain, I'm then back to the old chestnut of whether to reverse cog and sprocket (which are hardly worn).  SJS say I should... reliable sources on the forum say not to. Ho hum :)

Title: Re: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: brummie on August 03, 2011, 07:50:49 PM

I had the same happen with a Rohloff chain.... can't remember how many miles, but quite a few..

Title: Re: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: geocycle on August 04, 2011, 01:08:34 PM

Quote from: neil_p on August 03, 2011, 07:10:45 PM

Cheers. I have emailed Rohloff to see what they say... as I'm rather disappointed with the short lifespan of the chain.

If I replace the chain, I'm then back to the old chestnut of whether to reverse cog and sprocket (which are hardly worn).  SJS say I should... reliable sources on the forum say not to. Ho hum :)

I'd fit the chain and if it feels rough reverse the sprocket and chainwheel.  If not then you should be OK.  All I would say is don't leave it too late to reverse as you can reach a point of no return.  8000km is not great but not awful for a chain, although I would expect more from a rohloff chain unless you've done a lot of offroad miles.

Title: Re: Source of clicking found... I hope!
Post by: neil_p on August 04, 2011, 06:23:54 PM

Quote from: geocycle on August 04, 2011, 01:08:34 PM

I'd fit the chain and if it feels rough reverse the sprocket and chainwheel.  If not then you should be OK.  All I would say is don't leave it too late to reverse as you can reach a point of no return.  8000km is not great but not awful for a chain, although I would expect more from a rohloff chain unless you've done a lot of offroad miles.

Only about 50 miles off road... but then the British weather can make everything seem like you're off road!  I will try the new chain with the sprocket/chainring as is and see how it feels.

Just ordered a new Rohloff chain from Triton Cycles (thanks for the recommendation JulK).  Rohloff have asked me to post them my old chain, you never know I might get a free replacement.