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Chain Meshing Sound???
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
No this in not a chain suck topic 
I'm putting a new bike together and its running SRAM PG990 9spd cassette and Truvativ Noir XC 3.3 Team GXP triple crankset. I have fitted a 9spd CN7701 dura-ace/XTR chain but the meshing of the chain to the gears (both front and rear) just doesn't sound or feel right. Not that it sounds bad and maybe I'm just being a bit anal but just doesn't sound perfect 
Has anyone had this before as I haven't. Any thoughts?
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Update: I've just put some wax lube and it does sound a bit better. I will leave it and see how it goes.
Brian
I ran the same SRAM PG 990 & XTR chain combo on my Enduro and it was a good smooth fit. The Shimano chains are much smoother than the SRAM's - I did have issues with SRAM chains. Can't speak for the GXP Noir front rings... I think as long as its all 9 speed it should be OK.
not a bad idea to soak a new chain in degreaser or petrol. Give it a clean with dishwashing liquid after the soak, dry it and apply fresh lube.
Chains come with a thick lubricant that is great for collecting dirt that works just like a grinding paste. make sure the chain is free of all of that nasty greasy stuff, and is installed with fresh lube of your choice.
Even better. ditch the gears, go single speed.
Not only do they sound noisy and shift poorly, I reckon SRAM chains are made of cheese. Haven't had a happy experience with chain life with them, unfortunately.
I have one on my Rize and it sounds dreadful. About to be removed in favour of XTR.
Brian
so what are the details with this new bke ? Same model as your last one ? Different model cannondale ? Is this in lieu of a warranty claim ? Or have you seen the light and trying out a yeti asr 5 to see what real performance is like ?
Its nothing to do with my warranty replacement, that frame is on its way
and no, I haven't seen the light 
Why the mystery please tell us more about this new bike and purpose ?
Is this a secret weapon for the husky ?
I don't know about secret weapon considering the engine is a clapped out 74 model
Pics will be posted soon
yes you have. Just the 29" version of the light.
Here you go (more details and pics in that thread):
Interesting observation on SRAM chains? while I've not had any issues with both 9 and 10 speed SRAM chains myself, as I ride red hill a lot I have been through a couple (PC991), but I've also been through chainrings and cassettes at about the expected chain/ring/cassette rate.
But then again I have read many bad reviews on the exact SRAM chain that I use, but I've never had a single problem? to give an idea; I'm near 90KG's and get around the dam in about 35min, so perhaps I'm just not a solid enough MTB rider to get near the performance limits of the SRAM chains?
Is there a particular model number that your talking about here?
Chain elongation is what drives wear on cassette and chain rings. Long life on chain equals long life on rest of transmission and money spend here more than pays for itself.
I ran whatever the top-end SRAM chain was I could get - haven't used them for a few years so don't remember the number unfortunately. I do remember being unimpressed with the life I was getting, and comment in a head-to-head X-O vs XTR comparison on equivalent Giant Anthems in AMB a couple of years ago about the SRAM chain needing to be replaced while the XTR was still going strong after a thousand km tipped me over.
I now also run two chains. When the one on the bike needs cleaning, it comes off and the other (pre-cleaned) one goes on. From what I heard in conversation last weekend, some guys run 4 or five. With the new bike I may well do similar. That will extend cassette and chainring life even further.