I want to use 11/23 and 11/26 cass. Chain Lenght Q?
07-30-09, 10:32 AM
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I want to use 11/23 and 11/26 cass. Chain Lenght Q?
Hi,
I usually use an 11/23 cassette but I also have an 11/26. I would like to be able to switch cassettes. Which chain length should I measure, enough to wrap around the 26 plus 2 or the 23 the 2 or in between.
Or should I just get quick connect get good at removing them and have 2 chains.
If the mods feel this should be in mechanics section, please do so.
Thanks
I usually use an 11/23 cassette but I also have an 11/26. I would like to be able to switch cassettes. Which chain length should I measure, enough to wrap around the 26 plus 2 or the 23 the 2 or in between.
Or should I just get quick connect get good at removing them and have 2 chains.
If the mods feel this should be in mechanics section, please do so.
Thanks
07-30-09, 10:44 AM
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Chain length is determined by the smallest cog and the smallest ring, therefore you should be able to use both cassettes with the same chain length.
07-30-09, 11:01 AM
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Size the chain for the 26, ensuring you have enough chain to handle the "big-big" combination.
The same chain will work fine on the smaller cassette.
The same chain will work fine on the smaller cassette.
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07-30-09, 11:21 AM
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While a chain sized for the 26 will work on the 23, you might consider getting a second chain. This assures that the chain and cassette will wear together.
07-30-09, 11:44 AM
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NO. you will (or at least should) never use the big-big so you won't have to worry about it whatever chain you are running now should be fine. I just went 12-23 to a 12-27 and it's fine.
07-30-09, 11:48 AM
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^ WRONG.
Standard practice is to measure big big then add a link. While you're not supposed to cross chain, it does happen. If the chain isn't long enough when you shift into that gear combo, it WILL snap.
Standard practice is to measure big big then add a link. While you're not supposed to cross chain, it does happen. If the chain isn't long enough when you shift into that gear combo, it WILL snap.
07-30-09, 11:58 AM
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Never, never, never size a chain without taking into account the big-big combination. I've seen cassette cogs bent, chains snapped, derailleur hangers bent, all because a chain was sized too short.
Assuming the rider will always "do the right thing" and avoid shifting into big-big is naive. Even if you're the rider.
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07-30-09, 12:04 PM
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Using the big/big plus 2 links (1 inch) would suggest a shorter length than necessary if the 11-23 was used to set the length.
Last edited by DaveSSS; 07-30-09 at 12:41 PM.
07-30-09, 12:05 PM
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ah.... sure.
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+1
Never, never, never size a chain without taking into account the big-big combination. I've seen cassette cogs bent, chains snapped, derailleur hangers bent, all because a chain was sized too short.
Assuming the rider will always "do the right thing" and avoid shifting into big-big is naive. Even if you're the rider.
Never, never, never size a chain without taking into account the big-big combination. I've seen cassette cogs bent, chains snapped, derailleur hangers bent, all because a chain was sized too short.
Assuming the rider will always "do the right thing" and avoid shifting into big-big is naive. Even if you're the rider.
07-30-09, 12:30 PM
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I know this can be a common solution on BF, and it might be appropriate for you...get another bike for the 11-26 as it will make things easier...
07-30-09, 02:57 PM
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You're the one who is wrong. Sizing the chain by routing it through the RD in the little/little combination and making it as long as possible without hanging loose or rubbing the upper chain guide tab will produce the maximum wrap capacity from any RD. There is ONE chain length for any road bike that will handle any cassette within the RD's wrap capacity. I never have to change my chain length to use a different cassette.
Using the big/big plus 2 links (1 inch) would suggest a shorter length than necessary if the 11-23 was used to set the length.
Using the big/big plus 2 links (1 inch) would suggest a shorter length than necessary if the 11-23 was used to set the length.
I guess if you are measuring the wrong way, your method could work.
Standard chain measuring is using the big/big combo +1 link, without running it through the derailleurs.
https://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain
https://bicycletutor.com/calculate-chain-length/
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=26
07-30-09, 03:04 PM
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The point of all this is the chain needs to be long enough to run in the Big/big (if not you are asking for serious trouble).
And it needs to be short enough to wrap without drooping in the small/small.
Applying to the OP's question, size the chain for the 11-26, and it will be fine for the 11-23 and the 11-26 cassette.
And it needs to be short enough to wrap without drooping in the small/small.
Applying to the OP's question, size the chain for the 11-26, and it will be fine for the 11-23 and the 11-26 cassette.
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07-30-09, 06:32 PM
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Thanks for the answer folks. 50% of the time BF Road forum is actually a sensible place to hang around, the rest is 50% entertainment.
Yeah when I meant chain wrapping -- I definitely meant big + big + 2 links (some people refer to the outer/inner plate combo as 1 link also I think )...
Had a bone graft oral surgery today, so I am using this time to finish my bike builds. No riding for 4-5 days. My doc is a Time Trial racer. We started with discussing 808's as he started to sedate me and by the time he woke me up we finished with a crank discussion and his assistants were lost at what we were talking about.
Yeah when I meant chain wrapping -- I definitely meant big + big + 2 links (some people refer to the outer/inner plate combo as 1 link also I think )...
Had a bone graft oral surgery today, so I am using this time to finish my bike builds. No riding for 4-5 days. My doc is a Time Trial racer. We started with discussing 808's as he started to sedate me and by the time he woke me up we finished with a crank discussion and his assistants were lost at what we were talking about.
