Noob chain install question
 

I need to install a SRAM 1091R chain on my 10speed road bike. Do I need to remove any links or should it just fit? The cassette is SRAM 11-25 with 50-34 crank.

Thanks.

Yes, I'm sure you'll need to remove some links. There are basically two schools of thought: big-big and small-small. Big-big gives you the shortest chain that will fit; small-small gives you the longest chain that will fit -- yes, I know, it's confusing.

I use the big-big and it's never failed me. Take the chain and *without* running it through the rear derailler, size it so that it matches up, then add one full link. Cut the chain, run it through the derailler cages, and attach. See Sheldon's page: http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

You'll definitely have to remove some links, the question is how many.

There are several ways of sizing a chain. I use the big/big method: Wrap your chain around the biggest rear cog and biggest front chainring bypassing the derailleur. Figure out the shortest place you could connect the chain. Add 1 link in additional to the connector link to that (1 inch of additional chain total). That's the shortest chain that will safely cover your big/big gear combination.

I wouldn't be tempted to cheat by using a chain that's any shorter than that. If you ever accidentally shift into the big/big combination with a too short chain it can cause some serious damage to your bike and result in a long walk home.