Single Chain ring and chain length
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: NWNJ
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
Single Chain ring and chain length
I went to a single front chain ring and read that I now need to take out some links but I am not sure how to tell what the proper length should be.
Any help
Any help
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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Same chain sizing recommendations as always. Loop chain around big-big, bypass the rear derailer, join chain at the next longer opportunity.
#3
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
Loop the chain over the ring and largest cog.
Make sure you have at least one linkset, but not more than 2.
IF your single ring is no larger/smaller than the rings you had, you really don't need to do anything though.
Make sure you have at least one linkset, but not more than 2.
IF your single ring is no larger/smaller than the rings you had, you really don't need to do anything though.
#4
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
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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
The suggestions above are for the shortest chain possible. Many derailleurs wok better with some more chain that that.
Campagnolo recommends the longest chain possible, measured with the chain threaded through the RD and on he small sprocket and pulled up the RD takes up th slack in the lower loop. Shimano recommends something in between.
I prefer running chains to the long side, and so use the Campagnolo method, but sometimes take an extra inch or two off that.
In any case, ALWAYS double check the shortest length method, because accidentally cutting a chian too short can destroy a drive train.
Campagnolo recommends the longest chain possible, measured with the chain threaded through the RD and on he small sprocket and pulled up the RD takes up th slack in the lower loop. Shimano recommends something in between.
I prefer running chains to the long side, and so use the Campagnolo method, but sometimes take an extra inch or two off that.
In any case, ALWAYS double check the shortest length method, because accidentally cutting a chian too short can destroy a drive train.
__________________
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.
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.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 256
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From: Ocala, Florida
Bikes: 74 Romic, 83 Basso, Lotto, 88 Condor, Prestige MTB, 12 Soma, Groove
+1 FB, I've been using the longer chain method for over 40yrs. I'm 220lbs. And never had a problem, I continue it on customers bikes as well. One thing for sure, if they ever shift big-big they will still have intact derailleurs and spokes!!!





