Chain to long?
 

I am wondering if my chain is to long. This is the bike set up.

Full Ultegra 10 Speed. Short cage rear derailleur. 53-39 Crank. 12-25 Cassette.

Big Big Combo

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212890567

Big Big Close up

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212890596

Small Small Combo

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212890620

Small Small Close up

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212890653

The thing that concerns me is that the chain looks a little to long in the small small combo like the derailler cant take up enough slack. (I understand you shouldn't ride in the small small) In the Big Big combo it seems like the derailler would be fine with one less link. This leads me to believe I can safely remove a link. It rides fine now but I am wondering if it is the correct length. I can get more pictures if needed. I have to break the chain apart because I am adding in a Connex Link so while I am there...

is it okay or should I remove a link?

Since you're breaking the chain anyway, I'd just go ahead and re-size the chain using the "large cog / large chainring" method. That's the way I've always done it, and it's never given me problems. See here for details and alternative chain measuring methods: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=26

I use the large chaining/smallest cog or small chaining/largest cog method. In either position, the RD cage should be more of less perpenticular to the ground.

Nice silver finish, can do wo so MANY logos (Cannondale's fault I know).

I have this same concern only mine is the Compact 50/34 12-25 version of the CAAD9.

I'd remove a link if I were you.

Assuming you've got the correct rear derailleur, as long as the big/big combo can reach and the upper pulley doesn't bump into the cog in small/small, then the chain length is fine. You do the big/big sizing method to get the shortest chain possible without precluding the use of the big/big combo. Your chain length appears fine in the pics, but you could probably shorten it.

Edit: here's the big/big sizing method: http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

This is the large chainring and smallest cog.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212923461


Currently there are no problems but I think I will see how it loos when I try the big big method of sizing from sheldon browns site.

Also I am adding a connex master link. Can I break the chain anywhere and put it on or should I try to find the masterlink used on the current chain?

Yup. Take one 1 link.


Say your chainring diff looks extreme (may require a longer RD). Ppl who know this better advise, am too lazy to go through the gearings.

If it fits, then it'll be fine. The master link will replace a half-inch of chain--an outer section.

I removed a link and a half and then added the masterlink. Here are some new pics.

Small Small

Seems better.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212952126

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212952142

Big Big

Still acceptable I hope. I went for a ride and everything still rides fine.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212952182

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/i...g?t=1212952197

I was on Sheldon's site and he said that as long as there is an obvious bend when it passes through the rear derailler it is fine. And there is definately a bend. It doesn't go straight through.

Also I used his method of sizing. Big big combo (not through the derailleurs). Then add 1 link. Seems good.

Thanks for all the help.

Just looking at the pictures, I'd say that you're pretty close right now. You can't shorten your chain by 1/2 inch, you have to shorten it in full inch increments. Your rear derailleur looks like it might make it but I wouldn't bet on it.

If it's not rubbing anywhere in the little/little I think that I'd leave well enough alone.

Looks, good, Jynx.