Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - shortening track chains

Hey everyone,

I just installed an Izumi Model V track chain on my track bike (new bike, new chain). Obviously its quite a bit too long. My question is, how do I remove links from the chain? I have shortened a regular chain, and have the tools for that, but the track chain is wider and sturdier, so im not sure if shortening a track chain can be done the same way a road chain would be shortened, or if there is anything special you shouldnt do / have to take care of.

Thanks a lot,

BlackPowder

Most chainbreakers can handle 1/8" chains. Some can't. Try it with your tool.

Most chainbreakers can handle 1/8" chains. Some can't. Try it with your tool.

+1

BlackPowder, if you are concerned, then just take it to a shop. Make sure that you have enough chain to use the largest chainring/cog combination (like 50/15 as opposed to 47/14).

It's the same with any chain. Use a chain breaker.

I just used a small Park chain breaker on mine. Piece of cake!

Decide where you (not the shop) want your rear wheel to be positioned in the stayends -- definitely not hanging out the back and definitely not all the way at the front (because then you can't loosen it and slip it forward a bit to unseat the chain and then pull the rear wheel off for a tire change). Pick the best chain length and use a simple chain tool. The Park CT-3 for 1/8" is one of the nicest out there and not expensive. Izumi chains can survive just about any chain tool, but if you change them often (for racing or just to change gearing) you should have a good tool.

Do you change gearing (if you're racing on a velodrome, or plan to, you better assume you will)? It's likely that, unless you have very long slots in your stay ends, you'll need to work with a couple chains. If you're lucky and your bottom bracket to stayend length is just right, your stay end slots are long, and your preferred gears are in a narrow range, you can get away with one chain (I typically use 46/47/48 and 13/14/15/16 in combinations that almost always amount to just about the same amount of chain). If you don't (and I'm thinking of those who like to ride a 48x14 and then a 53x15) you just swap chains when you change gears.

It's actually easier with 1/8 chain because the tolerance is not as critical as with a narrow road chain. About 5 half-turns with a park chain braker.