jmlee

ooops. just a test. sorry.

Bokkie

Sheldon. I'm not sure if you are still subscribed to this thread, but here goes.

I see what you mean about the derailleur being pulled forward quite some way when you have the chain running on big/big. But again, I still wonder if big/big + 1 would have enough length to run around the guide and tension wheels? Assuming it does, that would seem to suggest the chain would run very tightly indeed. So, if you did go big/big (a bad thing I know) would your length calculation (a) allow that to happen, and (b) could it damage anything in the process?

mrfix

BOKKI,
I ride a touring bike with a dura-ace 30 - 39 - 53 up front and an XTR 12 - 34 in the rear. When I built up the bike I used the big/big plus 1 method of sizing the chain, it works great, you can go big/big, (although not recommended) and it dosen't run too tight, the bike shifts through the whole gear set in all directions smoothly and without a hitch. Listen to Sheldon, he is always correct, He is truely knowledgeable about cycle mechanics, We can all learn from him. Although I don't know Sheldon personally, I have read everything that he has written that I can find. I feel he is a credible human being and truely cares about our sport, He has the answers to our questions and He is willing to share them with us, if we ask.

Bokkie

No problem with that at all. It's just that sometimes how I visualise something does not look right the way it's explained to me. I can see the gist of it now, now that I saw for myself in big/big the extent that the derailleur lies almost parallel to the ground. To fully understand it, I reckon I'd have to adjust the chain length and see for myself.

I think I need to buy a new chain as I don't want to mess up the original as that'll be my backup.

WoodyUpstate

I use big/big +1 with my 11x23 cassette, but I occaisionally throw on a 12x27 cassette for a recovery ride. However, I don't change chains when I change cassettes. The 11x23 chain length shifts through the 12x27 cogset fine, though I admit that I NEVER ride big/big or small/small.

Bokkie

I think I posted a new thread but I can't find it anywhere, so let me continue with this:

I want to remove the chain, simple enough. The chain I have fitted is Shimano, and I think the links are stamped with an 'HG' on them or something like it. Maybe that's the product code of the particular chain?

All the links and rivets are identical, except for one link, where the rivet is made from a different material. It almost suggests, "I'm the one you need to push out".

I also read that Shimano rivets have a flared end, or something like it, and that I need a special type of tool specifically for Shimano chains? Any ideas on this?

Buddy Hayden

Shimano chains are joined by a "special" pin ,silver for 9sp and black for 8sp .. DO NOT break the chain at one of these pins ! .
Yes , they do look different in the chain than the others, they have a concave end to them , you can put one in your chain with a regular chain tool , though Shimano will recomend you use their HG tool .
These chain pins are available at your LBS ~.75 c or so , when you purchase a new Shimano chain they come with 2 pins
supplied .

Buddy.