Bicycle Mechanics - Question: removing link from chain

The reason I had to go several months without riding my bicycle is that my chain broke... and I was in Rochester, NY for the winter. Nothing I can do about the weather, but when I got around to fixing the chain I just removed a full link and put the chain back on.

I was concerned about the rear derailleur being too extended, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. My bike is old, and I won't disrespect it here, but I wanted to ask if the chain being "tighter" will create problems later on. The chain is not stretched, just broke a link.

I read the Barnett's chapter on rear derailleurs (http://www.efd.lth.se/~f96be/barnetts_ch32.pdf) and it didn't suggest any bad consequences.

Any thoughts?

-john

Only problem would occur if you cross chained (sp?) into the Big-Big combination and over stressed the rear derailleur. If that occurs and you're really cranking hard, you could literally rip the derailleur off and it could possibly get thrown into the spokes and you could get thrown into the ground.

Don't ask me how I know this.

Just don't cross-chain (shouldn't anyways) and you'll be fine!

L8R

As a2psyklnut says, crosschain bad. You can check to see how much of a problem it will be for you by having someone hold the rear wheel off the ground and, with the chain on a smaller cog, shift into the biggest ring in the front. Then gently shift up to the biggest cog, watching the der. tension up. Be careful as it shifts onto the two biggest cogs, if it is straining then you have a problem. You need to be sure not to shift that combo or you will be getting a new der. if your frame does not get damaged as well.
You can get a new KMC 21 speed chain for about $10

Fixing that chain was actually the first bicycle repair I have ever done. I had already purchased a replacement chain, but figured that my old chain would work. Chuck, I'll try your idea.

Thanks

-john