So my SS has horizontal dropouts and I want swap out my 18t rear cog w/ a 14t. However, when I did this, the rear tire sits all the way back in the drop and the chain is unable to become taut enough. I have a 1/8" chain that is not adjustable. Do you all use road chains that can be lengthened/shortened or do u just use SS chains? I guess this issue would be different w/ track dropouts.

what kind of chain is not adjustable?

what you need is a chain break tool. you can use it to pop out the pins in the chainlinks and lengthen or shorten the chain.

you need to shorten the chain.

chain break tools cost roughly $15-20. i recommend the park ct-5 because it's tiny and works

https://www.parktool.com/products/det...=5&item=CT%2D5

edit: btw, the tool works with both types of chains: 3/32" and 1/8"

double edit: if you need to lengthen the chain, btw, you'll need extra pieces of chain, of the same size as your current chain. i think my original post made it seem like the ct-5 was a wundertool.

Also there are half-links available. Start by removing a link in the chain. If that makes it a little too short, add a half-link (same width as the chain you are using).

edit: a 4 tooth difference is fairly large, so just removing one link from the chain should be sufficient.

i have a chain tool but the chain is not like a road chain where there is a special link for removal/adjustment. can i pop out links and pop them back in w/ a chain tool?

are you serious?
you're confused between what a masterlink is and what a chain tool does.

just go to your lbs. you probably shouldn't be tinkering with your chain.

That's exactly what chain tools are for.

+1

i agree. read this page. it gives good general info on how chains work, and tells you the different types of chains, etc.

once you understand that, you'll probably have a better understanding of how a chain tool is supposed to work.

it doesn't hurt to have someone show you the basics though. after you read, stop by the bike shop (or better yet, a bike coop, if you have one in arlington) and ask em how to properly break and rejoin a chain.

it's pretty simple. good luck.

This chain has no master link. I know that using chain tools can be used for removing links on a chain w/ a master link but can it be done on a chain w/o one?

PS - pardon me for asking on how things are done. i am trying to save $$$

PPS - i missed the skins/eagles game last weekend, what happened?

PPPS - philly sucks

Here how a chain tool work


*Important don't drive the rivet all the way out. If you drive a normal river it all the way out it's PITA (next to impossible) to put it back in.

Here some step by step picture
https://www.instructables.com/id/Usin...ke-Chain-Tool/

If it's a normal chain without special rivet any rivet will do so you can start anywhere on the chain.

Here a video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJhereGT9Iw

EDIT: As you may have notice or not, none of those chain has master links

Why don't you just take out some link or two or however many is needed?

apparently not as much as arlington. do they put something in the water there?

Also, When you put back the rivet in you may have a tight link, it happen in most case no problem.

You can use the tooless method scroll down to without Chain Tool https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=53

Alternatively you can just put in a square head screwdriver that fit between the place and spread them a tiny bit just enough so it's no longer tight. Don't use any force. Only the sightless touch to loosen the link

Op Your Google-fu Is Weak

comeback of the year! jon stewart might have to quit if comedic geniuses like this roaming internetia

i like to think of myself as the next jerry seinfeld.

you still don't know how to use a chain breaker, so joke's still on you.

FALSE. Did it last night. shortened the chain and swapped my wussy 18t cog for a manly 14t cog and NOW the bike finally feels fast. i kinda bent a link putting the rivet back in but the chain hasnt broken ( and it would be catastrophic failure bc alls i run is a coaster brake) . in summary thx everyone i guess