Conference noted::bicycle

    	Is everything on your mountain bike Ti?
    
    	If not, that may be your problem. 
    
    	8-)>
    
    	Sorry, I couldn't resist.
    
    	Scott

>    I've got a pain-in-the-butt problem with my mountain bike. The chain
>   will pops off the inside ring every now and then when I'm diving down
>    some real rough stuff and high speeds (not pedaling usually). This only
>    happens when I'm on the inside ring.
    
    	This may be partially a mechanical problem and partially a
    technique problem. It is preventable (technique) if you upshift to the
    middle or even large ring to "store" your chain on rough or fast
    descents and be ready to downshift to the small ring just prior to
    needing to.
    	If it does happen, you can usually pull the chain back on by
    pedaling slowly while you upshift to the middle ring (unless it's 
    already jammed in tight).
    	Mechanically, you can adjust your derailler inside stop screw in a
    bit more and if this makes it harder to shift from the middle to the
    small you can fill 1mm off of every 4th tooth of the middle ring to 
    make it release the chain easier (this also prevents chainsuck in the
    middle ring and I'd imagine that it works just as well for the small
    ring).
    	You can also buy a small device (NOT the one that is a small black
    plastic thing that attaches to the lower seat tube) that attaches to
    the BB shell and hangs below the BB parallel to all 3 chainrings (it
    looks like 3 upsidedown steps). This physically prevents the chain from 
    falling off regardless. [ Sorry- I don't think it's made out of
    titanium-looks like alloy.]
    	Lastly; if you have a twisted like in your chain remove it or
    replace the chain- it can cause unexpected shifts.
    
    
    Mike

    Scott, believe it or not, there is not a gram of Ti on the bike. It's
    part of my 12 step recovery program :-)...
    
    Thanks Mike. I'm really new to the whole scene (second semi-serious
    season) and know just about squat about all this stuff except that I
    like to get suicidal and muddy now and then.
    
    Oh, she's a skippin' away. I'm going to replace the links tonight (for
    some straight ones)...
    
    Thanks again,
    
                  Chip

    re: .2  I agree with the "shift to middle/big ring before you hit
    the downhill" method.  There isn't as much slack in the chain
    to bounce around.....besides, if it's a downhill, you SHOULD be 
    in the large ring anyway - doing that big ring boogie!!!
    
    

    
    Chip, I'm curious, what do you have for an MTB?
    
    Shaw

    <- (?) I've got a TREK 7000
    
     

    My guess is that you *really* could take another link out...
    also, you might want to check the teeth wear on the inner ring.
    I went thru mine in less than a year and upgraded to platinum
    rings (which isn't titanium, so you're ok).  Kratz

    What condition is the rear derailleur in?  Is the upper spring working
    ok?  
    
    Generally, keeping a much chain wrapped as possible is desired for MTB
    
    steve

    if the problem persists, return to the road bike.
    
    :-)
    
    ed

    I did pull two links out. I still have all my gears with no noticeable
    difference in shifting.
    
    I did go out and thrash around Sunday (I got thrashed myself) with no
    problems. But, it was a sporadic problem so the jury's still out...
    
     Chip

    <-  Sounds like you've just solved the problem, Chip.
    I was going to suggest that as the problem occurs when you are
    not pedalling, the problem *must* be caused by low chain tension.
                                     
    Chris