This is my first post here. I initially joined the list at the suggestion of another member for bike lore and FS listings. Very glad that I did so.
About 3 months ago, I installed a new chain (SRAM PC58) on my 1 year off-topic Ciocc Mockba 80 with on-topic SR crank and chainrings (53/43) and Regina 13/21 6-sp FW. Since then I have been averaging about 2 skips per 12 miles a day, always under moderate-to-heavy load. If anything, it's getting worse. The equipment was previously mounted on a Paramount with no problems.
I just measured the old chain and it was not stretched. The teeth on the FW are very strong. I've measured them and am (nearly) satisfied that the FW isn't the problem, which leaves the new chain. The tension is good. I've tried to identify a stiff link, but just don't see it. When I tried flipping the chain it was so bad that I had to flip it back five minutes later.
Is there a "breaking in the chain" ritual you can suggest? Is it possible the chain is just bad? Am I overlooking something else?
I'm fairly new to this and am hardly a mechanic, so please forgive me if I'm asking naïve questions. I read the archives heavily before writing. My local bike shops haven't been able to help.
Ryan Hildebrand
Costa Mesa, Calif.