Joe App Shifting with a Rapid Rise

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Nathan Mattia

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Apr 8, 2025, 11:55:52 AM4/8/25
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I have a 2016 model Joe Appaloosa, AKA #BofurBike
I LOVE this bike in all respects, BUT the drive-train is having some problems. 

I am FRICTION shifting in a 2x setup with
-an 8 speed cog in the back
-an XTR rapid rise rear derailleur
-a Shimano Ultra front derailleur

PROBLEM: For some reason, over about 1/2 the gear range of both chain rings, I am getting a slight, but consistent clickety clack that will not completely abate, no matter how much I'm fiddling with the thumbs.
I don't think the chain is rightly settling in these gears.
LBS guy thought maybe the FD couldn't get low enough because of tight space on the down-tube.  
Anybody else experiencing this or know what could be up?
IMG_7465.jpeg

Joe Bernard

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Apr 8, 2025, 12:20:34 PM4/8/25
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Is it definitely from the rear cogs or possibly chainrings, too? My first wild guess (rear cogs theory) is the cassette is newish, the chain is old and stretched. A new 8-spd chain might solve it. 

Joe "wildly guessing" Bernard

J Imler

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Apr 8, 2025, 12:20:59 PM4/8/25
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One thing to try is shortening the cable. Per Antonio at Riv go with 90 degree entry into the derailleur. Also make sure cable is tucked into the pulley zone not overlapping metal then into pulley. That’s a rapid rise flub.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 8:55:52 AM UTC-7 Nathan Mattia wrote:

Eric Daume

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Apr 8, 2025, 12:53:05 PM4/8/25
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Also check your B tension screw. It looks like it might get close in the bigger cogs. 
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Drew Fitchette

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Apr 8, 2025, 1:24:41 PM4/8/25
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Seconding Eric. 

I've got the same XTR mech but non-rapid rise and had to adjust my B screw a decent amount on my Appa to keep from the same click-y sound on the 4-5 largest cogs. 

If you've got a a stand move through the gears while tightening the B screw and see if it doesn't remedy the issue. 

- Drew

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:53:05 PM UTC-4 Eric Daume wrote:
Also check your B tension screw. It looks like it might get close in the bigger cogs. 

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, J Imler <imle...@gmail.com> wrote:
One thing to try is shortening the cable. Per Antonio at Riv go with 90 degree entry into the derailleur. Also make sure cable is tucked into the pulley zone not overlapping metal then into pulley. That’s a rapid rise flub.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 8:55:52 AM UTC-7 Nathan Mattia wrote:
I have a 2016 model Joe Appaloosa, AKA #BofurBike
I LOVE this bike in all respects, BUT the drive-train is having some problems. 

I am FRICTION shifting in a 2x setup with
-an 8 speed cog in the back
-an XTR rapid rise rear derailleur
-a Shimano Ultra front derailleur

PROBLEM: For some reason, over about 1/2 the gear range of both chain rings, I am getting a slight, but consistent clickety clack that will not completely abate, no matter how much I'm fiddling with the thumbs.
I don't think the chain is rightly settling in these gears.
LBS guy thought maybe the FD couldn't get low enough because of tight space on the down-tube.  
Anybody else experiencing this or know what could be up?
IMG_7465.jpeg

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Glen

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Apr 8, 2025, 2:34:13 PM4/8/25
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I can't help you anymore with your clickety clack than what's above but I have to compliment you on the best bike bling I've seen in ages. 

Chapeau 

Nathan Mattia

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Apr 8, 2025, 2:39:00 PM4/8/25
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HA!  The bling is all due to Matt @HoboHubWorks here in St. Louis.  
He heard my thoughts on the name and worked with me on the colors of the Newbaum's and the cables for a decidedly stout and colorful, blinged-out, Dwarven build.

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John Robert Williams

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Apr 8, 2025, 8:27:40 PM4/8/25
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I think it's most definitely your B screw adjustment.

JRW
Traverse City, MI

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Isaak Oliansky

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Apr 9, 2025, 1:38:13 PM4/9/25
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Good Morning Friends- This thread reminded me that my derailleur cable way frayed on my Joe and that I was getting a similar clicking (only in the big ring). I decided to add the little pulley mechanism back to my same RD after changing the cable (mine is mid cage, not sure about yours), shorten the housing to get a nice 90 degree bend, and adjust the b screw. VOILA! The final mechanical mystery (for now) of this new build has been solved. Thanks everyone. Shifts great with the requisite old school Suntour power ratchet shifters. Picture for fun:

IMG_9239.JPG

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