KMC 10spd chain too long....

Silly Old Hector

I bought a KMC 10 sp chain and was going to quickly swap over yesterday. It appears to be about 7 links longer than the existing Shimano chain fitted.

No problem, other than I had run out of time last night (cleaned 3 mtn bikes and my Focus :roll: ) and had to refit the old chain ( cleaned ).

Bike is a 50cm Focus with 105/FSA compact.

Is this normal ?

bondurant

Yes, you have to shorten it to fit your setup.

Silly Old Hector

Thanks - Does 10 Spd just refer to the link width ?

Why would the chains vary so much in length, when the wheel size, chain rings and rear derailleurs are of a similar size across most makes ?

Just Interested.

onbike 1939

Silly Old Hector wrote:

Thanks - Does 10 Spd just refer to the link width ?

Why would the chains vary so much in length, when the wheel size, chain rings and rear derailleurs are of a similar size across most makes ?

Just Interested.

The chain width depends upon the space between the sprockets and the rule is, 5,6,7,8 all use the same width and 9 a narrower one with 10 a narrower chain yet. I don't mention 11 as they are they are the work of the devil.
Chain rings can vary widely in size and RDs can be short cage or long.

Silly Old Hector

Thanks chaps - with all the variables, I see why KMC start them long, so you can customise.

Will get the hacksaw out tomorrow

flasher

Silly Old Hector wrote:

Why would the chains vary so much in length, when the wheel size, chain rings and rear derailleurs are of a similar size across most makes ?

Really?

Are you using a 53/52/50, 38/36/34 chain rings, along with a 11-23,12-25,12-32, cassette along with a short cage, medium cage or long cage rear derailleur? Plus chain stay length varies too.

So many variables one chain length would never fit all?

andy_wrx

Bikes are different sizes, Hector. And bikes with triple gears will need longer chains than with a compact. Etc, etc.

So chains are supplied too long so you can cut them down to the size you need for your bike.

You don't use a hacksaw, you use a chain tool (aka chain-splitter or pin-remover) to remove the pin and so shorten the chain
See http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... leur-bikes

You are correct to count links rather than by length in inches/cm btw, your old chain will have stretched slightly.

Silly Old Hector

I was joking about the hacksaw - I've got the big parktool to play with......

nicklouse

Silly Old Hector wrote:

I was joking about the hacksaw - I've got the big parktool to play with......

but you can not be bothered to read the fitting instructions that come with the chain. :roll:

bernithebiker

Silly Old Hector wrote:

Thanks chaps - with all the variables, I see why KMC start them long, so you can customise.

Will get the hacksaw out tomorrow

I fear this is not a joke....... :shock:

farrina

Silly Old Hector wrote:

I was joking about the hacksaw - I've got the big parktool to play with......

Thank goodness for that I almost choked on my coffee reading that ....

Silly Old Hector

nicklouse wrote:

Silly Old Hector wrote:

I was joking about the hacksaw - I've got the big parktool to play with......

but you can not be bothered to read the fitting instructions that come with the chain. :roll:

Normally fastidious with boxes and instructions, but recent SWMBO-driven house clean-outs meant box/instructions well gone ( chain arrived about a month ago, when I thought spring would be here ), leaving chain sitting in a Jiffy bag :roll: