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forum
Chain length
possibly a stupid question, but if changing my front chainring from 42 to 38 teeth , do I just shorten it by 4 links ?
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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8 comments
I do it the other way around... so run the chain in the small chainring, and the smalled rear sprocket, and shorten the chain to the longest length that the mech can tension.
Same theory, but essentially you are running the chain as long as it'll go, rather than as short as it will go.
Just to be absolutely clear, you do only have a single front chainring...?!
ok you confused me with whole, so just 2 links. I usually set the new chain length the same as the old so thats useful to know thanks.
See this Park Tool page on chain sizing. Scroll down to #6 - Chain Sizing by Equation.
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing#article-sec...
Wrap the chain around the largest chainring and largest sprocket without going through the rear mech then add two whole links.
What he said...
If you use any type of quick link you need to include them in your count. Other than that this is THE best way to set up a chain in most scenarios.
what do you mean by whole links?
Two links basically, or 3 hole's worth. Hole 1 - 2 outside plates - hole 2 - the solid middle metal bit to hole 3. Obvioulsy to join it, you need two loose outside plates to join to a solid midle bit if you are using a pin. If you have a quick link, you need two bare middle bits to join.