Front Derailleur problems (chain falls off inside)

Post to newsgroup <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it
still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

I would recommend a Jump Stop from N-Gear. There is no better way to prevent dropped chains, IMHO.

gvtc.com~ngearOpen ↗

A pleased customer, Matt

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Post To Newsgro
I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it still
falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed derailleur
or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure where to get
one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

What do you mean when you say "I used the 9speed upgrade"?
In other words; what did you replace?

Jump Stop from NGear is great for tripples, but I would check the application on a double before trying that solution. If the set up is correct, doubles don't have the problem. 9 speed uses a closer chain ring spacing and a narrower chain than 8 speed.
If you want reliable shifting you need to have all the components 9 speed.

"Post to newsgroup" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it
still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

I suggest either a Deda Dog Fang cambriabike.comchains.htmOpen ↗ or a Third Eye Chain
Watcher product-finder.netThird Eye Chain Watcher.htmlOpen ↗ . The Third Eye Chain
Watcher ($9.50) is adjustable for almost any seat tube. The Dog Fang is available in various sizes,
looks cleaner, but is slightly more expensive ($12). Both of these are indispensable on any double
or triple. Ever since I dropped my chain at the start of the finish hill in the District Road Race,
I've used a Third Eye on all of my racing bikes.

Vol(never drop a chain again)taire

Post to newsgroup <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it
still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

Dear Nospam,

Try calling Performance Bicycles at 800-727-2433 if California is out of chain watchers. They take
checks if your internet fears extend to credit cards.

The chain still comes off, but can usually be pulled back into place with a friction shifter--I
can't speak for brifters. You might search for a recent thread about the "Deda Dog Fang,"
another brand.

Carl Fogel

"Voltaire" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Post to newsgroup" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the
4th biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it
still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front
teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I
can't keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

I suggest either a Deda Dog Fang cambriabike.comchains.htmOpen ↗ or a Third Eye
Chain Watcher product-finder.netThird Eye Chain Watcher.htmlOpen ↗ . The Third Eye
Chain Watcher ($9.50) is adjustable for almost any seat tube. The Dog Fang is available in various
sizes, looks cleaner, but is slightly more expensive ($12). Both of these are indispensable on any
double or triple. Ever since I dropped my chain at the start of the finish hill in the District
Road Race, I've used a Third Eye on all of my racing bikes.

Vol(never drop a chain again)taire

Agreed. This is probably the best solution, and maybe the only one. I can personally vouch for the
Chain Watcher. It works seamlessly.

No one seems to be able to pinpoint the cause of this problem, but it's endemic to all Shimano
drivetrains, and almost unheard of with Campy. The best explanation I've heard is that Shimano's
chainrings release the chain too suddenly. The old "SG" style Shimano chainrings, which have gates
but no ramps or pins, seem to be the most prone. I once had this problem with an old mountain bike,
but it stopped when I switched to a generic chainring in the middle position.

Anyway, put on a Chain Watcher or similar device, and your problem will be solved.

Matt O.

Post to newsgroup said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

Is your chain the right length? When I bought my current bike I had trouble with the chain falling
off to the inside. After lots of grief and way too many visits to the LBS they finally figured out
that the chain was too long. They removed a couple links, and I haven't had a problem since.

--
Ray Heindl (remove the X to reply)

I changed to 9 speed: shifters rear derailleur chain rear cassette inner chainring

Anything else I'm missing? Thanks.

daveornee said:

Post To Newsgro said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade
and everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is
the 4th biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off. I set
the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it still
falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth. It
only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats. Any other ideas for
adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed derailleur or are they
the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure where to get one close
to Palo Alto, CA. Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

What do you mean when you say "I used the 9speed upgrade"? In other words; what did you replace?

Jump Stop from NGear is great for tripples, but I would check the application on a double before
trying that solution. If the set up is correct, doubles don't have the problem. 9 speed uses a
closer chain ring spacing and a narrower chain than 8 speed. If you want reliable shifting you need
to have all the components 9 speed.

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<kKSlb.34647> > > > >

Quoted message said:

No one seems to be able to pinpoint the cause of this problem, but it's endemic to all Shimano
drivetrains, and almost unheard of with Campy. >

That's not my experience and observation. I would even say that chain watchers are mandatory for
that brand while just a precaution for the other.

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

No one seems to be able to pinpoint the cause of this problem, but it's endemic to all Shimano
drivetrains, and almost unheard of with Campy. The best explanation I've heard is that Shimano's
chainrings release the chain too suddenly. The old "SG" style Shimano chainrings, which have gates
but no ramps or pins, seem to be the most prone. I once had this problem with an old mountain
bike, but it stopped when I switched to a generic chainring in the middle position.

Anyway, put on a Chain Watcher or similar device, and your problem will be solved.

Matt O.

I have the same problem with a Sora double crankset on my 12-speed French road bike. I'm using the
matching Sora FD with it. I had been planning on getting a chain catcher, but then read that they
were for triples. I appreciate a thread like this, where I can learn something. I'll be getting a
Chain Watcher or Dog Fang. I'll have to see which one my LBS stocks. Thanks everyone, for the
advice. Life is Good! Jeff

Quoted message said:

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

The 3rd-eye or Jump Stop are both excellent solutions, provided that your frame accepts them. We
should have them in both of our stores (Redwood City and Los Altos); in Palo Alto, you might try
Palo Alto Bicycles or Mike's Bikes.

You mention that you've upgraded to 9-speed... was the prior equipment 8-speed? What's left of the
8-speed system? Yes, it's possible that the newer 9-speed front derailleur will keep it from
shifting off, but it might not make any difference at all... mostly it will just shift a bit faster
and match up with the detents for trimming a bit better.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗

"Post to newsgroup" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it
still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

Quoted message said:

On 23 Oct 2003 23:15:09 +0950, daveornee <[email hidden]> wrote:

-snip-

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th biggest gear and I change the front
from the big to small, the chain falls off.

-snip-

Post to newsgroup said:

I changed to 9 speed: shifters rear derailleur chain rear cassette inner chainring

-snip-

Inner chainring on backwards?

--
Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April, 1971

I had exactly the same problem and a cyclist with a lot of experience told me to slow down the speed
of pedalling when you are changing to the smaller chainring. That is don't try and keep up with the
pedalling action. I haven't had a problem since. I also was usually going up an incline and had
trouble getting feet out of the clips in time. "Post to newsgroup" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is the 4th
biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off.

I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it
still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth.

It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats.

Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed
derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure
where to get one close to Palo Alto, CA.

Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

dave-<< If the set up is correct, doubles don't have the problem. 9 speed uses a closer chain ring
spacing and a narrower chain than 8 speed. If you want reliable shifting you need to have all the
components 9 speed. >><BR><BR>

Not true, you can easily use a '8s crank' with an everything else 9s system without the problem this
gent is seeing.

Peter Chisholm Vecchio's Bicicletteria 1833 Pearl St. Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535 vecchios.comvecchios.comOpen ↗ "Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

--------------050008040901050603000206 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

David:

I have the Jump Stop on my Serotta w/ double chainrings, had it on a Tommasini w/ double chainrings.
I've also had it on my tandem & currently have one on a Specialized Epic and Pegoretti. I think it's
far superior to the Third Eye Chain Watcher, which I've also used.

I agree that properly adjusted equipment generally should not drop chains. However, it seems to
happen anyway. I dropped the chain on my Pegoretti twice in 4 years before I put the Jump Stop on,
same for the Serotta. It's just that when it does happen it can be a PITA. For $10 & 50 grams I
never have to worry about it.

MOO, Matt

daveornee said:

Post To Newsgro said:

I have an older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I used the 9speed upgrade
and everything works pretty well. However, sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is
the 4th biggest gear and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off. I set
the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the smallest gear settings but it still
falls off. I put the fr. derailleur as low as it can go and still clearing the front teeth. It
only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually climbing a hill and I can't
keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I try to unlock my cleats. Any other ideas for
adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur with a new 9 speed derailleur or are they
the same? I'm thinking I should buy a 3rd eye chain watcher but not sure where to get one close
to Palo Alto, CA. Please just post to the newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

What do you mean when you say "I used the 9speed upgrade"? In other words; what did you replace?

Jump Stop from NGear is great for tripples, but I would check the application on a double before
trying that solution. If the set up is correct, doubles don't have the problem. 9 speed uses a
closer chain ring spacing and a narrower chain than 8 speed. If you want reliable shifting you need
to have all the components 9 speed.

--
David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA

Quoted message said:

--------------------------<

Posted via cyclingforums.com cyclingforums.comcyclingforums.comOpen ↗

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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <title></title>
</head> <body> David:<br> <br> I have the Jump Stop on my Serotta w/ double chainrings, had it on
a Tommasini
w/ double chainrings. I've also had it on my tandem & currently have one on a Specialized
Epic and Pegoretti. I think it's far superior to the Third Eye Chain Watcher, which I've
also used.<br> <br> I agree that properly adjusted equipment generally should not drop chains.
However, it seems to happen anyway. I dropped the chain on my Pegoretti twice in 4
years before I put the Jump Stop on, same for the Serotta. It's just that when it does
happen it can be a PITA. For $10 & 50 grams I never have to worry about it.<br> <br>
MOO,<br> Matt<br> <br> daveornee wrote:<br> <blockquote type="cite"
cite="[email hidden]"> <pre wrap="">Post To Newsgro wrote: > I have an
older style Durace crankset and front double derailleur. I > used the 9speed upgrade and
everything works pretty well. However, > sometimes when I'm pedalling hard, the rear cog is
the 4th biggest gear > and I change the front from the big to small, the chain falls off. >
I set the inner stop as far as possible without chain rub on the > smallest gear settings but
it still falls off. I put the fr. derailleur > as low as it can go and still clearing the
front teeth. > It only happens sometimes but it's quite annoying because I'm usually >
climbing a hill and I can't keep pedalling so sometimes tip over as I > try to unlock my
cleats. > Any other ideas for adjustments? Should I replace the front derailleur > with a
new 9 speed derailleur or are they the same? I'm thinking I > should buy a 3rd eye chain
watcher but not sure where to get one close > to Palo Alto, CA. > Please just post to the
newsgroup for everyone to benefit. Thanks.

What do you mean when you say "I used the 9speed upgrade"? In other words; what did you replace?

Jump Stop from NGear is great for tripples, but I would check the application on a double before
trying that solution. If the set up is correct, doubles don't have the problem. 9 speed uses a
closer chain ring spacing and a narrower chain than 8 speed. If you want reliable shifting you need
to have all the components 9 speed.

--
David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA

</pre> <blockquote type="cite"> <pre wrap="">--------------------------< </pre> </blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!---->Posted via cyclingforums.com <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="cyclingforums.comcyclingforums.comOpen ↗">cyclingforums.comcyclingforums.comOpen ↗</a> </pre> </blockquote> <br>
</body> </html>

--------------050008040901050603000206--

In article said:

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

No one seems to be able to pinpoint the cause of this problem, but it's endemic to all Shimano
drivetrains, and almost unheard of with Campy. The best explanation I've heard is that Shimano's
chainrings release the chain too suddenly. The old "SG" style Shimano chainrings, which have
gates but no ramps or pins, seem to be the most prone. I once had this problem with an old
mountain bike, but it stopped when I switched to a generic chainring in the middle position.

Anyway, put on a Chain Watcher or similar device, and your problem will be solved.

Matt O.

I have the same problem with a Sora double crankset on my 12-speed French road bike. I'm using the
matching Sora FD with it. I had been planning on getting a chain catcher, but then read that they
were for triples. I appreciate a thread like this, where I can learn something. I'll be getting a
Chain Watcher or Dog Fang. I'll have to see which one my LBS stocks. Thanks everyone, for the
advice. Life is Good! Jeff

I have a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain (9 speed/triple). The only time I've had the chain jump off is
shifting to the little chainring while climbing up a hill. I've since learned to shift into the
granny before I get to the hill instead of waiting until I'm grinding up the hill, and the chain
doesn't jump off any more.

I bought a jump stop and it works very well. It was rather difficult to install properly but it's
working well now. I still have an 8 speed bottom bracket and cranks (dura ace 7410) as well as
brakes, headset, etc. I changed out the front derailleur but it doesn't make much of a difference.
in fact, I kind of prefer my old dura ace one since it had faster shifts.

I'm kind of hesitant to changing out the BB and cranks since it's rather expensive...

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

The 3rd-eye or Jump Stop are both excellent solutions, provided that your frame accepts them. We
should have them in both of our stores (Redwood City and Los Altos); in Palo Alto, you might try
Palo Alto Bicycles or Mike's Bikes.

You mention that you've upgraded to 9-speed... was the prior equipment 8-speed? What's left of the
8-speed system? Yes, it's possible that the newer 9-speed front derailleur will keep it from
shifting off, but it might not make any difference at all... mostly it will just shift a bit faster
and match up with the detents for trimming a bit better.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles chainreactionbicycles.comchainreactionbicycles.comOpen ↗