Chain Replacement

[Deleted member 35268]

Hello agan

Should I replace the chain to the exact same length as existing, or is ONE more link going to be a show stopper - I am loathed to break the chain just for one link and the KMC 10 speed chain came with a quicklink so I can go on as is?

Hmmm

 

[iluvmybike]

Chain needs to be correct length - if too long the rd cage will not sit correctly. No big deal to remove a link or two if you have a decent chain tool

 

[sleuthey]

Is it a one, two or three chainring set up? If 3 do you use the smallest often?

 

[gom]

There could be special cases, but surely the chain maker expects the user to shorten a new chain to the correct length for the particular bike?

 

[T4tomo]

Shorten it, too long can effect rear shifting, you want chain as short as possible but still be able to do big - big combo, incase you screw up and end up selecting that combo.

also it takes about 30 seconds to pop a (pair of) link(s) off with a decent chain tool.

also remember to include the quick link when comparing or measuring lengths.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

OK, i'll remove the one link! Its a double setup FYI

 

[Ajax Bay]

Should I replace the chain to the exact same length as existing

Unless you fitted the current chain (and got it the correct length at the time) I recommend you do the 'large/large not through the RD, plus one inch link' check before cutting.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Unless you fitted the current chain (and got it the correct length at the time) I recommend you do the 'large/large not through the RD, plus one inch link' check before cutting.

It was setup by the Giant Dealer / as factory fitted. First time replacement

 

[iluvmybike]

There could be special cases, but surely the chain maker expects the user to shorten a new chain to the correct length for the particular bike?

It is unusual to NOT have to shorten a chain indeed - I can only recall that happening once in all my exeprience

 

[DRM]

Unless you fitted the current chain (and got it the correct length at the time) I recommend you do the 'large/large not through the RD, plus one inch link' check before cutting.

^^^ This in spades, that way you will know it’s correct.

 

[Johnsco]

+1
This is the recommended way of setting chain length.
A derailleur chain is usually supplied over-length - So expect to have to shorten it to the correct length.

 

[rogerzilla]

On my touring bike, I throw the whole chain on. The Moulton needs slightly more than one chain!

On other road bikes, I have the jockey wheels in a vertical plane when in the highest gear (e.g. 53 x 13).

I don't care about big-big. I never use it. In the early 90s, MTBers often ran short road mechs, for several good reasons, and big-big wasn't possible.