fitting a new chain - help needed

t4tomo

Currently replacing chain on my old mtb / commuting hack. 2 issues

- firstly (just looking for reassurance on this one) the new chain seems a bit longer than the old one, I assume optimum length is to put on the two smallest cogs and take out links until the derailleur is not quite bent over on its self (currently the chain is rubbing on itself as the derailleur is bent double.

- secondly I was going to fit it with a power link to aid future breaking for cleaning, however its a 7/8 spd chain (as I have a 7 spd sprocket) and I'm using a 7 spd powerlink but it won't latch together. I was under the impression you should just be able to squeeze with your fingers and tension the chain for it to slide into the end holes. what am I doing wrong?

cooldad

Chain around large/large excluding mech, plus 2 links.

cooldad

RE powerlink? That sounds right.

t4tomo

Ta for chain length.

re power link, thats the problem, it wont slide into the lock position just using my hands. Do I give it pedal to see if that locks it into place?

cooldad

It should just slide together easily - sure it's the right size and not a 9 speed?

t4tomo

Ah - a good stamp on the pedals clicks it all into place.

Job done

cheers

Valy

Maybe the struggle was there cos of the 7/8 speed chain rather than a 7 one.

Keep an eye on it - it should just easily slide into place and you don't need to pedal to put it into place!

ADL

t4tomo wrote:

- secondly I was going to fit it with a power link to aid future breaking for cleaning, however its a 7/8 spd chain (as I have a 7 spd sprocket) and I'm using a 7 spd powerlink but it won't latch together. I was under the impression you should just be able to squeeze with your fingers and tension the chain for it to slide into the end holes. what am I doing wrong?

Check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cybfHFj9kEI

cooldad

There is no 7 speed only chain.

Macster1

You could measure the old chain against the new one and shorten to match :shock:

cooldad

If the old one was the right size, ok. But don't measure, count links.

t4tomo

The old one was shorter than it should be as it exploded up a climb and lost a couple of links when rejoining it with a chain tool when I popped a pin all the way out rather than part way by mistake. Anyway length is looking perfect now and power link is holding fine.

anjs

You have put the pwoerlinlk between two inner plates in the chain?