....while in a gear of 53x12. Right at the rear where the seatstay and chainstay come together in the dropout lug the chain has rubbed the frame flat. I have duplicated this problem while riding, on the trainer, and in the bike repair stand. This happens everytime with absolutely no flex on the frame, BB, etc. Could this be a problem with BB spindle width, or rear frame spacing not at 130mm? I am still awaiting word from the bike rep. as to any possible answers, but I wondered if anyone has seen or encountered this problem. The components are Centaur 10, triple crank, and a steel frame.

Thanks in advance

Misaligned frame, bent dropout or hanger? Cassette/hub installation problem (missing or improper spacer on the axle, missing nut). What kind of hubs? Who built the wheels (factory, LBS, you)? Frame spacing would not cause this problem.

that's hard for me to imagine... is the wheel properly set in the dropout?

The wheels are the Campy Scirocco wheelset. The wheel is properly aligned in the dropout. I am heading out to the LBS to have them check the frame and wheel/hub. Thanks for the responses. The bike has approximately 100 miles on it and it is 5 days old and has done this from day 1.

:mad2: Why are you dealing with this problem?!?! If it's been like that from the day you bought it, that means it left the shop that way and it is the shops responsability to correct the problem!!!:cryin:

I originally thought that the FD was not set out far enough causing the chain rub, but the noise is coming from the intersection of the driveside, seatstay and chainstay. The chain is wearing a flat spot on the inside of the lug. I just got back from the LBS and they tried measuring to see if the frame was not properly aligned. They called the bike manufacturer rep and I should hear something this evening or tomorrow. I can't win for losing with a new bike or my old Brava with the cardboard shim. I should have just stayed with my 1989 Klein Quantum, Ultegra 9 (even though it was too small by 2-3cm), but I could at least ride it and did not have to go to the LBS every other day.

Needed to vent.

I originally thought that the FD was not set out far enough causing the chain rub, but the noise is coming from the intersection of the driveside, seatstay and chainstay. The chain is wearing a flat spot on the inside of the lug. I just got back from the LBS and they tried measuring to see if the frame was not properly aligned. They called the bike manufacturer rep and I should hear something this evening or tomorrow. I can't win for losing with a new bike or my old Brava with the cardboard shim. I should have just stayed with my 1989 Klein Quantum, Ultegra 9 (even though it was too small by 2-3cm), but I could at least ride it and did not have to go to the LBS every other day.

Needed to vent.


OMG, the same shop that let that bike out the door is the cardboard shim shop???

OMG, the same shop that let that bike out the door is the cardboard shim shop???


No, this is a different shop.

I originally thought that the FD was not set out far enough causing the chain rub, but the noise is coming from the intersection of the driveside, seatstay and chainstay. The chain is wearing a flat spot on the inside of the lug. I just got back from the LBS and they tried measuring to see if the frame was not properly aligned. They called the bike manufacturer rep and I should hear something this evening or tomorrow.

This sure sounds like the cassette not being far enough onto the freehub or the drive side axle spacer not long enough. The frame or dropout would have to be WAY out of alignment to cause the chain to rub on the inside of the seat/chain stay lug. Likewise, the BB axle would have to be WAY off to cause the problems; you don't see this with triple chain rings. No way the FD could be the issue. This is one of those things that you could see instantly by simply swapping out to a different rear wheel. Odds are that the other wheel would have adequate clearance for the chain. Your selection of bike shops seems to be rather limited :)

How about a photo? That would help clear things up.

This sure sounds like the cassette not being far enough onto the freehub or the drive side axle spacer not long enough. The frame or dropout would have to be WAY out of alignment to cause the chain to rub on the inside of the seat/chain stay lug. Likewise, the BB axle would have to be WAY off to cause the problems; you don't see this with triple chain rings. No way the FD could be the issue. This is one of those things that you could see instantly by simply swapping out to a different rear wheel. Odds are that the other wheel would have adequate clearance for the chain. Your selection of bike shops seems to be rather limited :)

^ +1

What Kerry said.

it's either the cassette or axle but just put another wheel in and try it.

It is possible for the wheel to be off spec.

Update to the cause of the chain rubbing. The seatstays were welded to the seat tube off to the left by a few MMs thus causing it to rub at the dropout intersection. So I got a Handbuilt Lemon from Italy. If my luck with bikes gets any worse I should just buy better shoes and walk. I have OFFICIALLY had enough of everything.

who is the builder?

who is the builder?


Bianchi. It is a Reparto Corse Pinella steel frame. I will be picking up a replacement either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Resolved, I hope. The problem was the Seatstays were attached to the seat tube slightly off to the left (.5-1mm), thus causing the driveside rear dropout to rub against the chain in the 12 cog. Handmade in Italy has its faults I guess, but I will be heading out tomorrow for a nice long stress relieving ride. Thanks for the input.

Not that I needed any more confirmation but it still makes me so glad I swore off all LBSs 20 years ago.

Not that I needed any more confirmation but it still makes me so glad I swore off all LBSs 20 years ago.


Ditto after the muck up I had with what is supposedly one of the best in my city this week.