Bicycle Mechanics - chain length

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micmat

05-22-11, 05:07 AM

I am about to transfer running gear from a large trad frame road bike to a smaller frame compact
I can accurately measure the chainstays when stripped
What would be the max difference I could get away with without shortening chain(chain is not stretched--done only 100k)

Capecodder

05-22-11, 05:10 AM

The chain needs to be shortened......

HillRider

05-22-11, 05:32 AM

It depends on how much extra wrap capacity your rear derailleur has in it's present location. If it has the ability to wrap up the extra links, you won't have to shorten it.

Retro Grouch

05-22-11, 07:12 AM

What's the point? Resizing a chain takes so little effort that I don't understand the reluctance.

I use the big/big method. Wrap your chain around the big chainring and biggest cog bypassing the rear derailleur. Figure out the shortest place you could rejoin the chain. Add 1" of chain (2 links) onto that. That's the shortest chain you can safely run with that combination.