Chain links

Davis_XI

After various issues with my chain the in the last 24 hours I am now 4 links shorter than I was. Can anyone advise me is this will be an issue in the short term?

drlodge

Depends if its still long enough to be able to move into the big-big combination.

Davis_XI

Feels ok riding it but not sure how to check if its under too much strain.

drlodge

Trying while OFF the bike ie not riding, try and put the gears into the big chainring and biggest sprocket. If the chain is too short you risk wrecking the rear derailleur or snapping the chain as the derailleur cage gets pulled forwards until the chain is a straight line. Anything like this and you've got trouble.

Davis_XI

Definitely need a new chain! Thanks for your help.

thefd

Small chain ring and small cog on cassette - see this article.

drlodge

TheFD wrote:

Small chain ring and small cog on cassette - see this article.

I prefer small-small too, but which ever way you do it, try it in both small-small and big-big before you ride just to make sure the chain is the appropriate length and the RD has sufficient capacity. If you're using a compact chainset and large cassette (12-28) there may be only 1 length that will work - a link too long or too short will end in tears.