New chain length required?

Kauto5

Afternoon everyone,

I'm going to chain my chainrings from a semi compact 52/36 to a compact 50/34. My rear derailleur and cassette will be staying the same, 11-30.

Will I have to change to a smaller chain or will the current chain be ok? It's pretty much brand new, fewer than 200km done on this bike so no wear issues. I've tried looking at a couple of chain length calculators but I'm more confused than before I looked!


Thanks all

david37

you may need to take a couple of links out but try it first. if you have a quick link you could fit the new compact chainrings and then measure big big, it should be c2 links. Or it might work. Forget confusing chain length calculators just use the big big method look for park tool chain length on the internet for a straightforward how to video.

so the answer is your current chain is fine, you may need to shorten it a couple of links.

arlowood

Kauto5 said:

Afternoon everyone,

I'm going to chain my chainrings from a semi compact 52/36 to a compact 50/34. My rear derailleur and cassette will be staying the same, 11-30.

Will I have to change to a smaller chain or will the current chain be ok? It's pretty much brand new, fewer than 200km done on this bike so no wear issues. I've tried looking at a couple of chain length calculators but I'm more confused than before I looked!


Thanks all

The calculator I use regularly suggests only 1 link difference between a chain to cope with 52/30 compared to one for 50/30. I reckon you will be fine as the derailleur cage should be able to compensate. If you're really concerned then chop a link out of the existing chain