28 sprockets to 32 - how many extra links?

gingermagician
gingermagician Posts: 326
edited July 2016 in Workshop
I'm switching the set up on my girlfriend's Genesis Equilibrium to an 11-32 on the back (compact chainrings, 105 5700).

I have the medium cage derailleur, cassette and a new KMC chain ready to go, but was hoping someone might know how many additional full links I'll need in the chain? Any info would be appreciated.

Comments

  • drlodge
    drlodge Posts: 4,826
    Depends on the chain length now. With a compact and 11-32 you'll have no room for error. What's the rear derailleur position with the chain on small-small and big-big?
    WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
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  • StillGoing
    StillGoing Posts: 5,211
    I'm switching the set up on my girlfriend's Genesis Equilibrium to an 11-32 on the back (compact chainrings, 105 5700).

    I have the medium cage derailleur, cassette and a new KMC chain ready to go, but was hoping someone might know how many additional full links I'll need in the chain? Any info would be appreciated.

    For a quick and easy method, jut wrap the chain around big/big missing out the rear derailleur, add 2 links plus the split link and fit.
    I ride a bike. Doesn't make me green or a tree hugger. I drive a car too.
  • drlodge wrote:
    Depends on the chain length now. With a compact and 11-32 you'll have no room for error. What's the rear derailleur position with the chain on small-small and big-big?
    Sorry, slightly confused - why would I have 'no room for error' if I'm fitting a new chain (and therefore shortening it)?
  • drlodge
    drlodge Posts: 4,826
    drlodge wrote:
    Depends on the chain length now. With a compact and 11-32 you'll have no room for error. What's the rear derailleur position with the chain on small-small and big-big?
    Sorry, slightly confused - why would I have 'no room for error' if I'm fitting a new chain (and therefore shortening it)?

    With a tooth difference of (50-34)+(32-11)=37, the rear derailleur will be at the limit of the amount of chain slack it can take up. Therefore the chain needs to be a specific length - not one link shorter or longer than the "correct" length. Too short and the rear derailleur will get yanked out of its mount and god knows what else when in big-big. Too long and the chain will still be slack when in small-small which could cause you similar problems.

    Suggest you try the new chain for length and check both in big-big and small-small to see what the correct length is, any advice offered here has some guess work involved although philthy3 offers sound advice as a starting point.
    WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
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  • Ok, sounds like a reasonable plan. Thanks for the guidance.
  • Park Tool has a detailed article on determining proper chain length, including a formula that you might find useful. http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing
  • venster
    venster Posts: 356
    I went from 28->32T on my Ultegra and didn't need to change the chain length - may be I was just lucky, but I don't ride 50-32 rings....
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    1" of extra chain 1 outer link and one inner assuming the chain is of corect length to begin with. Every tooth added requires ~1/4" extra chain
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • matt-h
    matt-h Posts: 847
    venster wrote:
    I went from 28->32T on my Ultegra and didn't need to change the chain length - may be I was just lucky, but I don't ride 50-32 rings....

    Exactly this.
    No need to change the length unless you plan on being silly