Chain length question
10-15-08, 07:20 AM
#1
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Chain length question
Hi all. Installed a new SRAM chain with Powerlink, which I have not done before. Won't bore you with the details, but accidentally made the chain shorter than its predecessor by one link, and now I am paranoid. In the big-big gear combo, the rear derailleur is pretty stretched out, just a slight s-bend, but the bike does shift to that gear alright in the workstand.
Maybe I am being paranoid, but I have heard and read too many stories of utter havoc which result from too-short chains, so will ask: as long as my bike goes into the big-big gear combo in the workstand, will it work fine on the road? Or does actual pedalling torque create additional problems?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Maybe I am being paranoid, but I have heard and read too many stories of utter havoc which result from too-short chains, so will ask: as long as my bike goes into the big-big gear combo in the workstand, will it work fine on the road? Or does actual pedalling torque create additional problems?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
10-15-08, 07:38 AM
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If you can shift into big-big on the workstand, you are good to go and actually it sounds like your chain is the right length. There are no problems with road riding that will change it.
10-15-08, 07:57 AM
#3
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If this were a full suspension MTB I'd say you should add a link because chains are pulled tight when the rear triangle is compressed. For a road bike you should be OK.
Mike
Mike
10-15-08, 11:56 AM
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I would say additionally, avoid using the big - big gear combination. Also, there's the chance that you're over-stretching the derailure's tensioning spring.
10-15-08, 01:01 PM
#5
mechanically sound
Sounds like you are OK on the length. If you do want to add a link, fortunately SRAM chains don't require a special pin- just disconnect and reconnect with the same pin.
10-15-08, 02:06 PM
#6
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Can you pull ANY slack in the chain when on BIG:BIG?
I use a couple SKINNY screw drivers (or similar like nails etc.) inserted into somewhat adjacent links and try to "pull" them together.
I use a couple SKINNY screw drivers (or similar like nails etc.) inserted into somewhat adjacent links and try to "pull" them together.
10-15-08, 02:33 PM
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Bill, I will try your method to check for slack.
10-15-08, 05:03 PM
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mechanically sound
10-15-08, 08:03 PM
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+1 for avoiding the big-big combination, lest you stretch your rear derailer spring. Even on the work stand it's not a good thing to do.
10-16-08, 07:21 AM
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I checked the chain as per Bill's advice and found that I can pinch it together a bit (about the distance of one link), which causes the RD to pivot upwards about one centimeter before reaching the end of its travel. So, I rode it and all is fine.
Thanks for the advice, everyone.
Thanks for the advice, everyone.
