q. on bike mechanics / placement of front derailleur

[bounceswoosh]

I'm definitely bringing the bike to the shop ... that's never been in doubt =) But it is good to get some educated thoughts first. A friend who is extremely in touch with the local bike scene also gave me some names at another bike shop for a second opinion, if this one doesn't come through.

I'm thinking I'll go today. I was hoping to ride, but weather + work isn't leaving enough time. I do have some time for a visit to one or two bike shops, though.

The rub only exists starting in the mid/high cogs in the small ring. I can definitely create the same gear ratio using my middle ring instead, no rub.

I did get the bike fit. In fact, fit was the primary focus of buying this bike; if my old bike had been the right size, I wouldn't have been buying a new bike. I really do believe the new bike is the right size. I have the same issue with my new road bike, which I bought from a different LBS and also got fit -- it feels way tiny to me on descents, like I'm way out in front. It's just because I rode a mountain bike for years that was way too big for me. That caused problems of its own, especially for my wrist, but it did give me a lot of stability going downhill. And yes, when I was in the shopping phase, this bike shop did explain to me that a shorter (better-fitting) frame would feel less stable on downhills. I'm not sure I really understood the effect, though, till I felt it myself over several rides.

[bounceswoosh]

It sounds like you have a great bike, and although there is an adjustment phase in getting used to the size... in the long run, it truly sounds like it's a better size for you. Mountain bikes do not have as many options for sizing as road bikes, but hopefully one day they will... it's certainly getting better all the time.

Have fun!

It really is a great bike, it's true. It's beautiful. The people at the shop remember when it was delivered and still wander by to take another look when I bring it in. It has great components. It's gold anodized (sounds sketch, but in practice it is just the right color of gold) with metallic red accents on all the Chris King components (hubs, headset, spoke nipples). I call her my super hero bike =) When the frame came in they put it on display while waiting for the rest of the components to arrive. I put ergo grips on her, which look dorky, but give a platform so that I'm not tempted to sag my wrists. Everything about her is a decision I made.

And can unmake ... as DH told me last night, worst to worst, we buy a new frame, migrate the components, and sell this amazingly beautiful frame. But I sure hope it doesn't come to that.

One thing's for sure -- my wrists don't hurt when I ride her. And that was my primary concern in getting her. I just need to get this stupid chain issue fixed, or at least put it to bed in my mind. Yeah. Definitely going to the bike shop(s) today.

[bounceswoosh]

Sorry for all the posts -- it just occurred to me -- with my weight on the seat, which it typically would be in the small ring, the rear suspension would be lower and I would get more effective clearance for the derailleur cage. So it may be that this rub only exists when I'm in the eighth or ninth highest gear in the little ring, which arguably I shouldn't be in, anyway.

I'll have to check.

[bounceswoosh]

I took the bike back to the shop. Riding it the few feet from the car to the shop, I realized that, with a rider, the rear suspension drops the bottom of the front derailleur cage enough to give me a few more gears in the front ring.

Talked to a guy in the service dept. a bit – short story, I’m not worried any more. There’s some rub in top three gears when I ride in the smallest ring – ie, when I’m crossing the chain. No worries.

Ultimately I gotta be happy with my bike, and after looking at the situation more closely, I am. Happy. Very. Just riding along those 20 feet made me happy =)

Next goal: sneak out of work early to hit one of my favorite trails.

[SuperRunt]

Glad you figured it out!

I just got my first full suspension bike a few weeks ago. Definitely need to learn a couple of new maintenance skills!

Can't wait to go ride it for real... Still have a couple feet of snow on the ground here.