Source of clicking found... I hope!

[neil_p]

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...



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.

[neil_p]

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?

[julk]

And a Rohloff chain to boot!

If you are looking for another Rohloff chain then Triton Cycles are the cheapest just now...

[neil_p]

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

[brummie]

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

[geocycle]

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.

[neil_p]

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.