Cassette noises -- normal?

before I go calling my LBS about this, I thought I would ask the forum ... is a cassette quietier on the way up (shift to lower gears/large cogs) than on the way down (shift to higher gears/small cogs)?!

the situtation: last week I put on a new cassette and chain and had the replaceable rear derailleur hanger checked, aligned, and bolts lock-tied to prevent slippage. The LBS did the chain and rear derailleur work. They did a quick adjustment to gears. Noticed after riding it wasn't "quite right" and put it on the stand at home, making a few more gear adjustments. Cleaned and lubed chain -- so all should be well.

problem: it shifts nicely on stand -- smooth between shifts. Very quiet when working chain UP the cassette to lower gears. When I shift to higher gears, bringing the chain down the cassette, it still shifts smoothly (not skipping, jumping, etc.) but it seems noisier in the gear -- especially middle of cassette. If I go down a few clicks and come back up a few clicks, it is definitely quietier. Never noticed this before -- normal or does something else need adjustment?!!

I know this is LONG ... thanks for any feedback!!

Bat not long no problems.

Shifting should be quiet in all gears although its normal for the "sound" to be grindier if you are cross-chaining. (ie in big cog in front and trying to go to smallest in back or vice versa).

What component group? 9 or 10 speed? Shimano or Campy? Is it a matter of "trimming" when you ride?

no, it is not a cross chain problem and I don't need to trim the derailleur because the noise is in middle of cassette on the down shift

system: Campy Chorus 10 spd -- new chorus cassette and record chain (ultra, not ultra narrow), with full full Chorus drivetrain.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

Sounds like either 3 or 4 on this page would help you out.

My noisy cassette is always from dirt. :p

V.

I rode my bike to LBS yesterday and had them look at bike. Actually, I was hoping I wouldn't have to ride to LBS, but it still wasn't shifting correctly and very loud! Anyway, it appears the problem is in my shifter or cable housing -- more than likely something in shifter broke, causing it not to sit right on cogs. If it is the cable housing, it means the cable/housing got contaminated, not allowing proper shifting. Good new! everything is fixable ... just need time for diagnosis. I will know more Monday afternoon after I pick it up.