MikesChevelle

My 88 Ironman Master seems to be draggin some azz lately.

It is makes a sound like the chain is ever so slightly dragging along the FD, but it is not. Also if I look while turning the pedal, it seems like the inner of the chain is barely hitting the front of the chain ring tooth, like its early, and not perfectly matching "into the teeth" if that makes sense.

It also shifts a tad rough, but that could possible be a worn RD????

that bike is in fantastic shape so it seems that none of the components should be worn, but what do I know

Pars 

Did you replace the chain? Also, is the FD aligned with the chainrings properly? Others can probably point you to alignment stuff (Park Tools may have something, or Sheldon Brown's site).

EDIT: here is Park Tool's page on derailleur adjustment/alignment

JunkYardBike

Read up on chainline. Are you cross chaining (i.e. big chainring, big rear cog or small chainring, small rear cog)? This will cause chain rub. And what Pars said, did you change anything? Chain or chainrings?

Not sure what you mean when you say the rollers(?) aren't contacting the chainring teeth? Maybe you mean at the top of the ring, when the chain first engages? You'll probably notice more contact about 3 o'clock on the chainring.

MikesChevelle

The FD is not rubbing anywhere.

I did not replace anything although I did disassemble the bike for cleaning.

It just seems like when the chain first contacts the chain ring, it isnt a perfect meeting. The innards of chain seem to hit the teeth instead of fitting between them, but just barely. It does not cause any chain drops or jumps, just a noise and a little bit of drag feelin??

Andrew F

Sounds like the chain is worn out.

MikesChevelle

Thats what I was wondering, but what "wears" out on a chain?

It appeared to be a low mile bike, and the chain "looks" good, but I have no problem replacing the chain

MikesChevelle

Also, its a 7 speed rear, so what all info other than that do I need to look for a chain.

thanks

sailorbenjamin

The little pivots between the links get worn thin which allows the links to "stretch" further apart. Put a little tension on the chain (pull it tight) and hold a ruler up to it. 24 links should be exactly 12". Measure from the center of the first pivot to the center of the last pivot. You can measure just 11" if there's not room, but the center of the pivot should be right on the inch mark. Sheldon Brown has a page on this. If it's getting to 1/16" over it's time for a new chain, if it's 1/8" over the chainrings are probably shot. I think I got that right. Check Sheldon to be sure.

RobbieTunes

If you need a chain, it's generally 11/32" x 1/2"

Pretty hard for chainline to be off with an OEM bike. Is it coming in "at an angle" from every cog, or just certain ones?

It sure sounds like it's stretched a bit.

MikesChevelle

24 links is dead on 12 inches

I dont mean that its off line, more like the pivots are a tad early getting to each tooth, we are talking a half a mm early or even less.

I just cant think of anything else that would make a dragging noise other than a FD, but its not dragging along the FD

auchencrow

Do you mean 1/2" x 3/32" ?

PS- If the existing chain is that worn, the FW will be toast as well.

MikesChevelle

what is FW?

mkeller234

Freewheel

MikesChevelle

LBS time?

Pars 

You're talking chain pickup on the chainrings (front)? Sounds like it could be a FD positioning problem. A new chain certainly couldn't hurt... possibly something like an SRAM PC890 or thereabouts for a chain? You might also try a really good cleaning (if you haven't) of taking the chain off the bike and soaking in mineral spirits or fav cleaner, brushing it out, relube.

I was having some shifting problems a bit earlier this year, and readjusted the FD position and removed the chain and cleaned well. End of problem for me.

MikesChevelle

but if the FD is not contacting the chain when this happens how can an adjustment fix that, not being a smart arse

autonoz

I think most replies have steered you towards a new chain or at least a good cleaning. That is where I would start if not hitting anywhere.

MikesChevelle

it is clean though, I torn the whole bike down an clean it, I could do a new chain but I measured perfectly 12 inches for 24 links

JunkYardBike

More or better oil? Did you soak it in solvent of some sort? Often, soaking a chain will clear the lube but leave grit in the rollers, and you can hear it, at least on a workstand.

MikesChevelle

do I need to count the links in my chain or can I just buy any 7 speed 1/2 x 3/32?

curbtender

8 speed chain works for 6,7,8

auchencrow

You'll have to shorten the new chain by removing links before installing it. If your old chain is the right length, you can count the links as a guide.

Andrew F

When you measure, that section of the chain needs to be under tension, relaxed you can always make it measure 24".

Old Yeller

Just a thought no one threw out. Could OP have a new 9spd chain that too narrow for the chainring teeth to fit into the chain? Just a guess...

JunkYardBike

I'm fairly certain he's implying it's the original drivetrain and chain.

I still want to know how the OP cleaned the chain. Removal and then dunked in solvent? Cleaned the chainrings and freewheel squeaky clean? If the drivetrain had some lube buildup upon receipt, it was likely quiet, so when the OP cleaned everything, now he's hearing metal on metal, which sometimes sounds like FD rubbing. It's happened to me on many occasions, and usually it means the chain needs more lube. Also, happens to me quite often on triple drivetrain setups with wide range cassettes (8 or more speeds usually), because it's simply impossible to get a chainline that's happy all the time.