Pheard
08-26-06, 08:26 PM
I put on my new chain, and its kind of saggy. Should I take out a few links? just wanted to ask before I messed anything up.
Mountain Biking - Chain tension
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Jason222
08-26-06, 08:34 PM
Yes.
jiiiim
08-26-06, 08:34 PM
I was gonna ask the same questions, but after searching the forums, apparently it seems ok to do so.
Jason222
08-26-06, 08:36 PM
My chain on my bruiser was insanely short. It would break somewhere, so I'd take that link out and put it back together. I did that probably near a dozen times. Near the end I couldn't shift into the larger gear combos(from the chain being so short), but I had very little chainslap! :D
free_pizza
08-26-06, 08:46 PM
I put on my new chain, and its kind of saggy. Should I take out a few links? just wanted to ask before I messed anything up.
Count the links on the old chain, or just get both side by side to compare, then remove links
Count the links on the old chain, or just get both side by side to compare, then remove links
Pheard
08-26-06, 08:49 PM
Ok thanks. I'll do that fp.
free_pizza
08-26-06, 08:52 PM
Ok thanks. I'll do that fp.
that is, assuming the old chain was the right length :)
that is, assuming the old chain was the right length :)
Pheard
08-26-06, 09:04 PM
that is, assuming the old chain was the right length :)
It worked and wasn't saggy, that's good enough for me.
It worked and wasn't saggy, that's good enough for me.
cryptid01
08-26-06, 09:33 PM
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain
Pheard
08-26-06, 10:05 PM
Turns out I needed to take off 6 links, I left on one extra though. Sorry for making the dumb topic :)
wheelhot
08-27-06, 05:06 AM
hey why is my new chain feel more stiff or harder to pedal then my previous old chain?
LowCel
08-27-06, 06:05 AM
hey why is my new chain feel more stiff or harder to pedal then my previous old chain?
It's most likely just in your head. I've never heard of one chain being easier / harder to pedal than another. Just make sure it's lubed and the right length.
It's most likely just in your head. I've never heard of one chain being easier / harder to pedal than another. Just make sure it's lubed and the right length.
iamthetas
08-27-06, 02:26 PM
Turns out I needed to take off 6 links, I left on one extra though. Sorry for making the dumb topic :)
that is not a dumb topic.
that is not a dumb topic.
a2psyklnut
08-27-06, 10:00 PM
I've never liked the method that Sheldon Brown suggests. It's not a bad way, just not fool proof. I take a somewhat more detailed approach.
1. I loop the chain through the derailleur and put it in the BIG-BIG combo. I pull the read derailleur forward so the lower jockey pulley is barely in front of the upper jockey pulley. Since this is the worst case senario, you want to make sure you are not overstressing the rear derailleur. I mark the intersection point with a marker.
****an old bent spoke in the shape of a long flat "U" will hold both ends of the chain together without having to cut or connect them permanently.
2. I then put the chain into the SMALL-SMALL combo. I check where I marked the chain previously. If the rear derailleur's upper jockey pulley is dragging on the chain, the chain is too long. Mark off one link (one inside plate & one outside is ONE link).
3. Go back into the BIG-BIG combo and check to make sure the new length doesn't over stress the rear derailleur in this combo. If it does, leave the extra link IN!
It's always better to have the chain too long and have the rear derailleur drag in the small-small combo than too short and blow up if you ever accidently shift into the BIG-BIG with too short a chain.
The reasoning? You should NEVER be in the small-small gear comination anyways!
One last thing!!!! If you have a full suspension bike, do these measurements with someone sitting on the bike loading the suspension. Some full suspension designs affect the effective length of the chainstay as they cycle through the suspension travel. A correct chainlength in the stand can be too short when you're riding!
1. I loop the chain through the derailleur and put it in the BIG-BIG combo. I pull the read derailleur forward so the lower jockey pulley is barely in front of the upper jockey pulley. Since this is the worst case senario, you want to make sure you are not overstressing the rear derailleur. I mark the intersection point with a marker.
****an old bent spoke in the shape of a long flat "U" will hold both ends of the chain together without having to cut or connect them permanently.
2. I then put the chain into the SMALL-SMALL combo. I check where I marked the chain previously. If the rear derailleur's upper jockey pulley is dragging on the chain, the chain is too long. Mark off one link (one inside plate & one outside is ONE link).
3. Go back into the BIG-BIG combo and check to make sure the new length doesn't over stress the rear derailleur in this combo. If it does, leave the extra link IN!
It's always better to have the chain too long and have the rear derailleur drag in the small-small combo than too short and blow up if you ever accidently shift into the BIG-BIG with too short a chain.
The reasoning? You should NEVER be in the small-small gear comination anyways!
One last thing!!!! If you have a full suspension bike, do these measurements with someone sitting on the bike loading the suspension. Some full suspension designs affect the effective length of the chainstay as they cycle through the suspension travel. A correct chainlength in the stand can be too short when you're riding!
wheelhot
08-28-06, 08:35 AM
hmm, i realise one thing new with my Deore LX chain (shortened to 8 speed), it feels smoother, everything from shifting to power transfer feels different. Very postive reply, lets hope ill win the school close competition. Too bad I dont have any sponsors and my Giant Anthem 2 hasnt arrive yet.
LowCel
08-28-06, 09:02 AM
What do you mean "shortened to 8 speed". The difference in an 8 speed and 9 speed chain isn't length, it's width.
wheelhot
08-29-06, 02:46 AM
hmm im very sure my dealer shorten the chain, i think 9 speed chain is 1 link longer then 8 speed chain.
LowCel
08-29-06, 04:45 AM
hmm im very sure my dealer shorten the chain, i think 9 speed chain is 1 link longer then 8 speed chain.
Your dealer may have very well shortened your chain, most chains need shortened. However, the length of the chain depends on what cassette, chainrings, and frame you have not by whether it is eight or nine speed.
Your dealer may have very well shortened your chain, most chains need shortened. However, the length of the chain depends on what cassette, chainrings, and frame you have not by whether it is eight or nine speed.