Chain Length- Different Cog Ratios
#1
Thread Starter
Always Learning
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From: Palm Bay, Fl.
Bikes: Very Upgraded Denali 63.5cm
Chain Length- Different Cog Ratios
If I change replace my existing cassette that is 14/28 with one that is 12/28 how many or do I need to take links out of my chain???
Or just re-adjust my limit screws?
Or just re-adjust my limit screws?
#3
Facts just confuse people




Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Remove the chain from the rear derailleur cage and wrap it around the biggest front and rear sprockets. Then see where you'd have to join it, and add two links to it.
This is typically how Shimano and others tell you to do it in their installation manuals.
If the old chain did work before with no issues, then as [MENTION=35181]Reynolds[/MENTION] said, you don't need to change anything. Just use the same length the old was.
This is typically how Shimano and others tell you to do it in their installation manuals.
If the old chain did work before with no issues, then as [MENTION=35181]Reynolds[/MENTION] said, you don't need to change anything. Just use the same length the old was.
#5
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
You have exactly the same size large cog as before, so of course the chain length needs to stay the same. Even if you had gone to a 12-24 there's no requirement that you shorten the chain. If your large chainwheel is 52 it is not a great idea to go down to 12 teeth unless you are planning a lot of downhill pedaling (which itself is pretty wasteful).
#6
That's not what limit screws are for. They restrict how far the derailleur can move, so the chain doesn't come off the small cog or let the derailleur go too far toward the spokes. If the derailleur cage catches on a spoke, the derailleur will be ripped off the bike, causing serious damage.
If a chain is too long, then the small chainring - small cog combination will have the derailleur arm fold all the way up, and the bottom portion of the chain will rub on the top pulley chain wrap -- annoying but not serious.
If the chain is too short, it can jam when in the big chainring and attempting to shift to the biggest cog. Serious.
If a chain is too long, then the small chainring - small cog combination will have the derailleur arm fold all the way up, and the bottom portion of the chain will rub on the top pulley chain wrap -- annoying but not serious.
If the chain is too short, it can jam when in the big chainring and attempting to shift to the biggest cog. Serious.
#7
#9
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
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From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
I'm a believer in the big/big method for determining chain length. If your chain is too short, accidentally shifting into the big/big can cause a bunch of damage to your bike in less time than it took me to type this. In your example, neither the big chainring nor biggest cassette cog has changed so, assuming the chain was right previously, it'll still be right.
On the other hand. Chains and cassette (or freewheel) cogs tend to wear together. An old chain will wear new cassette cogs prematurely. I don't always change cassettes when I replace the chain but I always install a fresh chain with a new cassette.
On the other hand. Chains and cassette (or freewheel) cogs tend to wear together. An old chain will wear new cassette cogs prematurely. I don't always change cassettes when I replace the chain but I always install a fresh chain with a new cassette.
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