Chain length

100%
100% Posts: 236
edited July 2009 in Workshop
Hi,

I'm currently using a compact cahinset that my ride bike came with, however I don't really like the big jump between chain rings. I feel that I lose so much momentum if I shift from the out ring when I'm using anything much more than a 16T sprocket at the back that cit almost feels harder than riding my cross bike that has a much closer 39/48 double set up.

I'm thinking that I am going to change the inner chainring for a 36T TA jobbie, or maybe even a 38 (and maybe go 52/38 for racing or group rides, but that's another story). I assume that, whilst I could shorten my chain to accomodate this new setup, I don't need to?

Cheers,
steve

Comments

  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    You shouldn't shorten your chain as the correct length is determined by the size of the big chainring, the size of the biggest cog and the distance between them.
  • 100%
    100% Posts: 236
    Hi,

    Cheers for the reply - that seems fairly obvious now I think about it! :oops:

    Still, convienient if I'm just changing the inner ring. I assume then that I would need to lengthen the chain should I change the outer ring to a 52?

    Cheers,
    Steve
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    correct if eother of the big cogs are replaced with ones with more teeth (cassette/chain ring) yes you will need to use a longer chain. those two are what govern chain length.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bobtravers
    bobtravers Posts: 115
    Put 2 links more than the correct length between the big ring and big cogs, that way, you don't put stress on your chain and shifting will be easier...
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    :?
    My Fleet.
  • andrew_s
    andrew_s Posts: 2,511
    Putting 2 extra teeth on the big chainring (or sprocket) means you have to increase the chain length by half a link (i.e. 1 inner or 1 outer). Half links are available, but not in 10-speed.

    With the new rings fitted, try if you can change into big/big (with the bike in a stand or upside down). If you can't, add a whole link (1 inner plus 1 outer).
  • 100%
    100% Posts: 236
    Just coming back to look at this again - thanks for the replies.
    bobtravers wrote:
    Put 2 links more than the correct length between the big ring and big cogs, that way, you don't put stress on your chain and shifting will be easier...

    Sorry, but surely the thing to do is to run the chain at the correct length? I would have though anything elase is going to wear gain and sprockets/chainrings faster.

    Cheers,
    Steve

Categories