Chain Length

rs6mra1
rs6mra1 Posts: 105
edited November 2016 in Workshop
Hi,

I have just changed my cassette from a Shimano 11-30 to 11-28 and would like to know what the likelihood is of me having to reduce the length of my chain?


Thanks.

Comments

  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Minimal to non-existent, I would say...
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    If you had no issues prior to the change, then you shouldn't have any now.

    Put it into small-small and see what it looks like.

    If the rear mech can't take up the slack (if the chain touches the low jockey wheel), then you should remove a link or two.

    Assuming the chain wasn't too tight in the first place, then you could remove 2 links and save yourself 5g or so.....
  • bbrap
    bbrap Posts: 610
    As above, if you had no problems with your 11-30 you will have no problem with an 11-28 as it is still within the range of the old one. If however you were going from a 12 something or 13 something to an 11 something you may need a different chain length depending on cage capacity (short , med, long).
    Rose Xeon CDX 3100, Ultegra Di2 disc (nice weather)
    Ribble Gran Fondo, Campagnolo Centaur (winter bike)
    Van Raam 'O' Pair
    Land Rover (really nasty weather :lol: )
  • rs6mra1
    rs6mra1 Posts: 105
    Thanks for your replies.
    I somehow now think my chain was too long to begin with as i recently changed the chain and followed a few videos.

    The reason i think it is too long is that I have measured the difference between the chain (whilst being on the small ring at the back and the small at the front) being on as well as off the derailleur and the difference is 3.5cm. I determined the difference by measuring the flat bit above the derailleur from the floor up with the chain on and then doing the same with the chain off.
    What are your thoughts on this before i break the chain as i think 3.5cm might be too much? In the meantime I am going to try and index the gears now and see how i get on.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Show us a photo of how it looks when on small-small
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    If the chain was the right length you'd only be removing (nominally) one link (which you can't obviously) you may be able to remive one pair but I wouldn't bother!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rs6mra1
    rs6mra1 Posts: 105
    I have checked the chain length and this is fine. However the problem i am now having is that I cannot get the jockey wheels/pulleys to line up with the 28 sprocket at the back. They line up with the 11 but not the 28 with the cable tension released. Whilst on the 28 the pulleys are sat/pulling away from the wheel. If i push it in it aligns perfectly.
  • rs6mra1
    rs6mra1 Posts: 105
    I put the cable back on and it seems to align well when i the 28 ring. Changes ok but i am 85% of the way there. Day wasted, no riding, some knowledge gained.

    Thanks guys.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    You know about the limit screws, right?
  • rs6mra1
    rs6mra1 Posts: 105
    Yes I do

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