Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Are New Chains Getting Shorter?

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Are New Chains Getting Shorter?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-23-13 | 08:42 AM
  #1  
FrenchFit's Avatar
Thread Starter
The Left Coast, USA
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 25

Bikes: Bulls, Bianchi, Koga, Trek, Miyata

Are New Chains Getting Shorter?

I put a new 8 speed SRAM chain on my tourer, a long wheelbase triple. I used every link, a perfect fit but nothing to spare. That stuck me as odd, I expected to have 3 or 4 links left over for sure. Are manufacturers saving money by reducing the number of links in new chains?
FrenchFit is offline  
Reply
Old 07-23-13 | 08:46 AM
  #2  
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast

Bikes: 8

the packages have a link count, did you keep track of what the link count was before?


a long chainstay bike will take more chain than a short stay one.


my old stumpjumper always needs a section of extra chain to be requested at the LBS, when I replace it.

left from installing the chain on a shorter stay road bike
fietsbob is offline  
Reply
Old 07-23-13 | 08:47 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY

Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter

I don't believe anything's changed in the last few years. Decades ago 116 or 114 links were most common. These days 112 seems to be the norm.

OTOH if you bought a chain marketed as a single speed chain, it might have been 108 or fewer links.

In any case, they usually tell you how many links on the box.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site

An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.

Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.

“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN

WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FBinNY is offline  
Reply
Old 07-23-13 | 09:18 AM
  #4  
FrenchFit's Avatar
Thread Starter
The Left Coast, USA
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 25

Bikes: Bulls, Bianchi, Koga, Trek, Miyata

Didn't see it on the packaging; looked it up, it was a 114 link SRAM chain. A 112 would have been a little tight, I guess it's something I'll have to look out for in the future.
FrenchFit is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AdvXtrm
Bicycle Mechanics
27
12-28-16 08:54 PM
calfee20
Bicycle Mechanics
8
07-27-16 10:40 AM
jerrduford
Bicycle Mechanics
6
07-17-16 09:36 AM
tonyt
Bicycle Mechanics
21
11-02-15 03:13 PM
Acquaspin
Bicycle Mechanics
7
09-26-11 06:58 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.