Hi all,

I have 2 chain questions for you:

1) Can I used reusable chain links with a fixed gear bike?

2) I wish to change my gearing from 42-18T to 42-20T, how many links will I need to add?

Thanks

Daven

2. if you had sufficient space left i your drop outs, you shouldnt need to add any more links, it will just bring the wheel closer to the inside. though i have often heard that you should replace your drivetrain all at once, so the parts can wear-in together. but you should be alright if you're only changing the cog though.

don't think i have enough space left in my dropouts unfortunately

Add a half-link.

Do drugs

See ya Johhny!

Johhny[sic] B Bade.

Buh bye.

1) Not sure exactly, but yeah, you can break the chain and add/subtract links on a fixed gear like any other bike. Personally I don't use master links. But I have used half links in bikes with short dropouts.

2) It's kind of trial and error.

Hah, Jon Boy done got it.

Thanks, just don't want my chain coming apart while I'm riding!

Here's a rough rule for the relationship between changes in number of sprocket teeth (chainring or cog) and chain links:

1) For a one tooth change in a sprocket, the rear wheel axle will move approximately 1/8" in the dropout.

2) For a full link (1") change in the chain, the rear wheel axle will move 1/2" in the dropout which is the same as a 4 tooth change in sprocket teeth.

3) A half link is 1/2" long, so the axle will move 1/4" in the dropout which is the same as a 2 tooth change in sprocket teeth.

4) If you are changing both the chainring and cog tooth count, then the change is net. IOW, if for example you change from a 48T chainring to a 46T and from a 17T cog to a 16T, then the net change is -3 teeth = 3/8" movement of the axle back in the dropout.

Hopefully you saved the links you removed to get your chain the right length when it was first installed. Use those to lengthen your chain now. Adding links from an old worn out chain is asking for trouble.

If you didn't save those links, go to your LBS and see if they have two or three links left over from sizing the same type of chain you're using. They'll probably either let you have them for free or charge you a dollar or two.

The chain won't come apart if you put it back together correctly. If you don't know how to do that get the LBS to do it.

Thanks for the info TejanoTrackie - very useful

lz4005, I don't want to use old links I want to use those reusable master links so you can quickly break your chain for cleaning etc. just wondering if that is a bad idea. I don't have any spare links.

Thanks

I really like the SRAM powerlink, and master links in general, but it doesn't make sense to use more than one in a row to lengthen your chain.

Besides, master links are just the outer plate and pin part of the chain, you still have to have the inner plate portion of the chain, so just getting some master links won't make the chain any longer.

I love master links.

Master links do come undone a fair amount, but it's always due to improper installation (at least in my experience). The times I've made sure it's actually been joined together properly, they work as well as any other chain link.

Yeah, I've had a KMC master link come apart on my. I just started a night ride and was pretty bummed that I didn't get to finish After that, I bought a Park chain tool and never looked back!

just make sure you know if you have a 3/32 or 1/8 chain!

Thanks guys - wasn't planning to use more than 1 master link, it was just for ease of removal not for lengthening.