The SRAM PC-1110 [paid link] chain is a popular choice for road bike enthusiasts, offering solid performance and durability. However, many cyclists encounter a common issue where the chain feels “skippy,” especially during gear shifts or under load. This problem can disrupt your riding experience, leading to frustration and potentially damaging your drivetrain. In this article, we’ll dive deep into why your SRAM PC-1110 [paid link] chain might feel skippy and how to instantly improve its performance.

Understanding the Skipping Chain Issue

A “skippy” chain is characterized by a jerky or inconsistent motion, where the chain doesn’t stay engaged properly with the cogs or chainrings. This can happen during acceleration, when shifting between gears, or when putting pressure on the pedals. The issue can feel like the chain is slipping or jumping over the teeth of the cogs, making your ride feel rough.

Causes of a Skippy PC-1110 Chain

The primary causes of a skippy chain can include:

• Chain Wear: Over time, chains naturally stretch and wear out. As the PC-1110 [paid link] chain elongates, it no longer fits the cogs properly, causing it to slip.
• Misalignment: Improper chainline or misaligned derailleurs can result in the chain skipping during gear transitions.
• Incorrect Chain Length: A chain that is too long or too short can lead to poor engagement with the cassette and chainrings, contributing to skipping.
• Dirty or Poorly Lubed Chain: A buildup of dirt and grime or lack of lubrication can cause poor shifting performance, resulting in a skippy feel when pedaling.
• Faulty Drivetrain Components: Worn-out cogs, chainrings, or derailleur components can all contribute to chain slippage.

How to Fix the Skippy Chain Issue on Your SRAM PC-1110

Step 1: Inspect Chain Wear

One of the first things to check when you experience a skippy chain is the amount of wear on the chain itself. As the PC-1110 chain wears, its links will stretch, reducing the engagement with your cassette and chainrings. To check chain wear:

• Use a chain checker tool to measure the elongation of the chain.
• If the chain wear exceeds 0.5% or 0.75% (depending on your bike’s specifications), it’s time for a replacement.

Replacing a worn-out chain is the most effective solution for chain skipping. SRAM recommends replacing the PC-1110 chain before it becomes too stretched to avoid damaging your cassette and chainrings.

Step 2: Check for Proper Chain Length

An improperly sized chain can cause skipping and poor shifting performance. If your chain is too long, it will not engage the cogs correctly. Conversely, a chain that is too short may cause the derailleur to overextend, leading to poor performance and even damage.

To adjust the chain length:

1. Shift your bike to the smallest chainring and the smallest cog.
2. Measure the chain to ensure it doesn’t overextend the derailleur when in the small chainring/cog combo.
3. Remove any excess links if necessary, ensuring the chain has just enough slack to maintain smooth shifting and prevent tension on the derailleur.

Step 3: Clean and Lubricate the Chain

A dirty or dry chain can significantly affect your shifting performance, leading to skipping issues. Over time, debris such as dirt, mud, and grime accumulate in the chain’s links, increasing friction and decreasing performance. To prevent this, regularly clean and lubricate your PC-1110 chain:

1. Use a degreaser to remove dirt and old lubricant from the chain.
2. Rinse the chain thoroughly and dry it completely with a cloth.
3. Apply a suitable chain lubricant, making sure to focus on the inside of the chain links.
4. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent attracting dirt.

Step 4: Examine Drivetrain Components

A skippy chain may not only be the result of chain issues but also a sign of worn-out drivetrain components. Check the condition of the cassette and chainrings:

• Cassette: Look for worn teeth, which may appear sharp or worn down in areas where the chain makes contact. If the cassette teeth are excessively worn, replacing the cassette is necessary.
• Chainrings: Similar to the cassette, check for worn or damaged teeth on the chainrings. If you see signs of damage, replacing the chainrings can improve shifting performance and eliminate skipping.

Also, inspect the derailleur for proper alignment and functionality. A misaligned derailleur or one with a bent hanger can cause poor shifting and result in a skippy chain.

Step 5: Adjust Derailleur Tension

Improper derailleur tension can cause skipping when shifting between gears, especially under load. Adjusting the derailleur’s tension is crucial for smooth shifting and optimal chain engagement. To adjust the derailleur:

• Shift to the middle cog of the cassette.
• Adjust the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the tension. If the chain struggles to shift up or down the cassette, turning the barrel adjuster slightly can improve shifting performance.
• Test the derailleur on different gears to ensure smooth and accurate shifting.

Step 6: Check the Chainline

A poor chainline can cause misalignment, which in turn leads to chain skipping. The ideal chainline ensures that the chain runs straight between the chainring and cassette. If you notice skipping only when riding in certain gears, especially the large chainring or large cog, it could be due to poor chainline alignment.

Check the alignment by visually inspecting the chain’s path and adjusting the bottom bracket or crankset if necessary to correct the chainline.

Step 7: Replace the Chain (if needed)

If you’ve followed the previous steps and the skipping persists, it’s likely that the chain itself has worn out beyond the point of effective repair. In this case, replacing the SRAM PC-1110 chain is the best solution. Installing a new chain will restore smooth shifting and eliminate the skipping problem.

Conclusion

A skippy SRAM PC-1110 chain is a frustrating issue, but it can usually be solved with a few simple steps. By inspecting chain wear, adjusting chain length, cleaning and lubricating the chain, checking your drivetrain components, and adjusting the derailleur tension and chainline, you can ensure your bike’s performance stays at its peak. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, replacing the chain is the most effective way to restore smooth, reliable shifting.