chain dropping

[lph]

There might not be anything "wrong" with the parts. This can be a characteristic of 1xN drivetrains. When shifting to a smaller cassette cog, the shift can happen suddenly and fast. This may cause a sideways wave in the chain.

That's interesting, I'd think that with one chainring in front you'd be spared a chain ever falling off again. I never thought that the front derailleur would work as a chain guard. But 10 speed in back is a pretty wide spread for the chain to handle too. Park Tool (I think?) has a very neat and cheap little gadget called a chain checker btw, which tells you in a second whether your chain is worn. I love mine, and have recommended it as basic maintenance gear to many people.
Also the rear derailleur could be a little slow in taking up the slack if you've ridden in winter and it's a bit draggy, so that you have an instant where the chain has a shorter circle to travel but hasn't been pulled tight yet. Just an idea.

[laura*]

That's interesting, I'd think that with one chainring in front you'd be spared a chain ever falling off again.

That's what I thought too! Then I started researching what I needed to change the chainring on my commuter bike. The OEM guard of course wasn't suitable.

1x9 (and other cassette sizes) gearing is apparently popular on cyclocross bikes. Those riders "talk" a lot about needing guards.

[redrhodie]

That's what I thought too! Then I started researching what I needed to change the chainring on my commuter bike. The OEM guard of course wasn't suitable.

1x9 (and other cassette sizes) gearing is apparently popular on cyclocross bikes. Those riders "talk" a lot about needing guards.

Ah, I wish I had asked this before I decided on 10 speed. I also thought I'd never drop a chain on this bike, due to the single ring. Who knew?!

Thanks for all the input.