SRAM chain too short - can I use another Powerlink?

[Jimmy Doug]

Got round to changing the cassette and chain on my bike today in preparation for my tour through Norway. Measured up the chain and thought I needed to take out a link - which I did. But when I tried to hitch it all up, I noticed that not only did I make a mistake and I shouldn't have taken out the link (how on Earthl did I do that??) but that, in fact, the chain was too short too start with! Couldn't believe it - it was a chain for an 8 speed bike on an 8 speed cassette!
Anyways, my question is: can I lengthen this chain by adding another Powerlink? Also, I had a hell of a time trying to put back the link I'd taken off: the rivet isn't as well attached to the side plates as it should be and can fall out. Is this a potential problem or is it normal?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cubist]

The link you removed wis unlikely to go back on properly. Adding another power
Ink will be fine, but if I were touring on it I'd bite the bullet and go for a new chain. Why is it to short? How did you measure it?

 

[HLaB]

I fitted a new chain a while back but changed my cassette from a 12-25 to an 11-26; thought I'd be fine with the same length of chain I wasn't Lengthened it another quick link no problem but if your chain is worn you'd be better off with new one to ensure the chain cassette marry right.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I don't know why it's too short. My guess is that SRAM save costs by making it 2 links shorter. My old chain had 114 links, this one only has 112. Would it be better to get a chain for a 9 speed or is there another difference between an 8 speed chain and a 9 speed, other than length?

 

[HLaB]

I don't know why it's too short. My guess is that SRAM save costs by making it 2 links shorter. My old chain had 114 links, this one only has 112. Would it be better to get a chain for a 9 speed or is there another difference between an 8 speed chain and a 9 speed, other than length?

Width, an 8sp chain is too wide for a 9sp cassette, quicklink etc.

 

[Cubist]

I meant how did you measure it? My favourite rule of thumb is to put it round the biggest chainring and the biggest sprocket, then add two links. Unless your bike has the longest chain stays in the world i'd be amazed if it was to short at 112 links

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Width, an 8sp chain is too wide for a 9sp cassette, quicklink etc.

Ah! What can I do? Apparently, adding links is problematic

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I meant how did you measure it? My favourite rule of thumb is to put it round the biggest chainring and the biggest sprocket, then add two links. Unless your bike has the longest chain stays in the world i'd be amazed if it was to short at 112 links

I used the same method as you. I couldn't believe it either so I installed. The rear derailler is now at a really bad angle when in large/large. I'll try and post a piccy so you can see. Not sure how it'll turn out now it's dark.

 

[Cubist]

The mech should be virtually horizontal on large large. Besides which you shouldn't be in that gear under normal conditions. As long as it still runs clean without fouling it sounds OK

 

[Cubist]

How many links were on the one you took off?

 

[TheDoctor]

It doesn't matter so much if the rear mech looks odd in large-large, as long as you can change into it.
Large-large isn't a combo you should be using anyway. There's always a better way of getting that ratio.

EDIT - Bugger, Cubist beat me to it!!!

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Here's a photo. You can see that it's all wrong!

 

[Jimmy Doug]

The mech should be virtually horizontal on large large. Besides which you shouldn't be in that gear under normal conditions. As long as it still runs clean without fouling it sounds OK

I don't use this ratio when I'm cycling. I was just following SRAM's instructions to fit the chain: put the chain on the largest gear and largest sprocket and add two links. It's also what Sheldon advises

How many links were on the one you took off?

I only took one link off.

 

[slowmotion]

There are on-line calculators that help with this.
http://www.epicidiot.com/sports/chain_length_calculator.htm

 

[Cubist]

That photo is fine. No issues as far as I can see.