Chain Length for 10 spd Ultegra

gniz80

Fellow roadies



Ive just replaced my rear mech and chain. It came from Wiggle with 53 links which made me suspicious as I've bought a chain from another shop which came with 57 links. neverthe less with a 53 link chain on when on the largest chainring and largest sprocket the rear mech guide pullys and cage is extending too far forward. its almost like 45deg to the ground! The rear mech doesnt look comformtable When on the smallest sprocket and large chainring its fine with both pullys at 90 deg to ground.



Typically I have used the method of wrapping chain around large sprocket and large chainring and then +2 links. This is what I've done.



As Ive said my only concern is when in Large chainring and large sprocket the rear mechs pullys are pointing in the direction of a 45 deg angle...just doesnt look right.



Any suggestions?



Thanks in advance



Cheers

Greg

oldwelshman

How many links were in the chain you took out ?

gniz80

hi there,

In my original chain there was 54 links, 1 extra. However previously the rear mech didnt seem to be on such an angle. I t doesnt look like one extra link will make all that much of a diffderence.

I think ill take it into my LBS and see what they think - I suspect they will say that I need a 'few' extra links and then Ill be inclined to ask Wiggle why the chain I bought off them came short! (I would say it could be a refunded item that they sold onto me???) :shock:

TomF

Large chainring/large sprocket plus two links is fine.

You shouldn't be riding in that combo anyway (though I do cos I'm a lazy shifter).

FransJacques

2 things to to - use the old length or RTFM - check out the Sheitmano technical section. It's all there. One method is to do 53x12 and make sure the upper pulley bolt is in line with or at least ahead of the lower bolt. Easy peasy. More chain is always better - less friction and slightly less wear. 1/54th or so to put a number on it.

Since as we have gone from 7 speed to 10 or 11 most people ride really ugly chainlines 53x19 or stuff like that. It was a by-product of going from 42 to 39 in the early 90s.

One thing you learned well is its smarter/faster to count inner or outers and double it. Industry norm is both links hence chains are usually stamped 114 or 116 etc but this is a bit silly.

FransJacques

2 things to to - use the old length or RTFM - check out the Sheitmano technical section. It's all there. One method is to do 53x12 and make sure the upper pulley bolt is in line with or at least ahead of the lower bolt. Easy peasy. More chain is always better - less friction and slightly less wear. 1/54th or so to put a number on it.

Since as we have gone from 7 speed to 10 or 11 most people ride really ugly chainlines 53x19 or stuff like that. It was a by-product of going from 42 to 39 in the early 90s.

One thing you learned well is its smarter/faster to count inner or outers and double it. Industry norm is both links hence chains are usually stamped 114 or 116 etc but this is a bit silly.

vorsprung

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=26

Explains how to do chain length sizing.

You can't just buy a chain from wiggle and put it on the bike, it must be the correct length

gniz80

Thanks FranzJaques! The insight into the development of chainring sizes is very good to know.

On 53/12 both pullys are inline with each other as you describe - !

Ps: Its nice to know you appreciate 'real' hip hop...

Cheers
Greg