Originally Posted by
Salamandrine
The whole rule of measuring chain length according to BIG/big + one link is only a rule of thumb. It works OK with typical gearing modern road bikes, but it can be downright wrong. An alternate method of determing length is to put the bike in highest gear, and set chain length so that the jockey wheel is vertical. In this case you may be better off making it as long as possible. Put it in SMALL/small (5th), and make the chain as long as you can. Should be just short enough that the jockey wheel doesn't hit itself. There is often a range of chain lengths that technically are OK, but often one particular length will shift best and feel smoothest.
Ok. This is good material. Noted. When I did the chain I just went by the general rule of thumb, and if I recall correctly I figured a little too tight will be better than a little too loose.
Originally Posted by
blamester
Chain looks short. Cable housing the same.
Has it always or just recently started feeling rough?
If recent it is likely a wear item.
Chain or sprocket.
400kms shouldn't wear out a chain.
Yep, recent. Well, there may have been some -very- slight unevenness but I've only started noticing it recently (my bb had gotten slightly loose a while ago, and after adjusting it, I started paying more attention to the general feel of the gears).
To be honest, I may be a little too pedantic with it, seeing as the bike rides pretty well (with worn/uneven asphalt it's barely noticeable) but I'm pretty sure I'll be swapping the chain sometime soon and then if nothing changes, have the freewheel upgraded.