Is my chain too long?

stevenb
stevenb Posts: 717
edited July 2014 in Workshop
Just recently bought a new bike and it came with a 11-28 cassette and 36/52 chainset.
I have just swapped to a 11-25 cassette and 34/50 compact.
The rear mech jockey wheels seem to be trailing too far back and the cage does not pull down to a normal level.

If the chain is too long, how many links should I be looking to remove?

Thanks.

Steve

Comments

  • stevenb
    stevenb Posts: 717
    http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/b ... hcalc.html
    Used this link.
    Looks like I need to remove 2 links.
  • ElectronShepherd
    ElectronShepherd Posts: 227
    A good rule of thumb: If you take the chain around the biggest cog at the back and the biggest cog at the front, but not through the derailleur and pull it taut, you need that length + 2 links (1 inch).
  • stevenb
    stevenb Posts: 717
    When I split the chain later I will use that method too.
    Thanks.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    ElectronShepherd wrote:
    A good rule of thumb: If you take the chain around the biggest cog at the back and the biggest cog at the front, but not through the derailleur and pull it taut, you need that length + 2 links (1 inch).

    I've always understood that to mean + 2 full links, ie 2 inners and 2 outers, so 2 links = 2 inches.
  • stevenb
    stevenb Posts: 717
    I was unsure about this too but as always, Sheldon Browns guide helps:
    http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

    I will be using this method tonight when I split the chain.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    OK, so 2 half links, ie 1 inch.

    I stand corrected
  • stevenb
    stevenb Posts: 717
    Worked a treat.
    Used the large/large rings combo to get the length measured and as per Sheldon's guide it measured up that two links needed removing.
    Did that and popped in a new pin.
    Sorted.
    Jockey wheels now sit aligned when in large rear, small front and small rear large front.

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