Chain Length Conundrum

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hondated
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by hondated »

That's fine HC its your problem we all want solved at the end of the day. Well done iow. Yet another example of why we all love this forum.
BigG
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by BigG »

I also need 116 links on a rather extreme gear set (14-38 rear and 22-50 front). I use a TAYA TB50 chain which is cheap on ebay (about £3.00) and works well for me. I have heard rumours of problems with this make, but my 90kg has caused no problems and I have never actually met anyone who had trouble. I bought 3 to economise on postage giving a delivered price of approx £4.00 each. They are consumable items at this price.
sreten
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Joined: 29 Sep 2013, 10:59pm

Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by sreten »

Hi,

Chain length is very misunderstood. Racers use the minimum because of weight and
exploit the limits of the geometry of the derraileurs (which is not good for most).

Conversely you can fit the longest chain possible, exploiting the opposite limits
of the geometry of the derraileurs (which is not good for most), to maximise
the chain life, as a longer chain lasts longer.

Unsurprisingly bikes come with chains about the middle of the two extremes.
If your bike comes with 116 links, its highly likely 114 will be fine.

Its all about how highly tuned your bike is. My 20" folder with 6 rear gears
and a single front has a rear derraileur that can cope with 3 front rings.
(It is basically Shimano's cheapest derraileur, inevitably MTB.)

Ergo it can cope with a huge range of chain lengths, but the best length argueably
is about the the derraileur cage pivots vertical in 4th gear,but I doubt 3 links
less and many more, would really make much real difference.

rgds, sreten.
RonK
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Chain Length Conundrum

Post by RonK »

If you use the Campagnolo (small-small) method of chain measurement, the longest possible chain length is assured.
The theory is simple: a) cycling is inherently fun, and b) the less weight you carry, the more fun it is.

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Mick F
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Mick F »

I always reckon that big/big is the best starting point.
Make sure the chain can get to this combination.
Mick F. Cornwall
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Heltor Chasca
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Heltor Chasca »

RonK wrote:If you use the Campagnolo (small-small) method of chain measurement, the longest possible chain length is assured.


Mick F wrote:I always reckon that big/big is the best starting point.
Make sure the chain can get to this combination.


[emoji13]This is one of those cat skinning games!

Another fun sport is to get a group of landscapers, farmers and builders together and get them to tell you how best to build a fence. You are guaranteed proper cat skinning warfare. Good entertainment...hc

(I'm going to try both chain methods to keep it fair!)
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Mick F
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Mick F »

The Campag Method.
Screen shot 2015-02-02 at 14.03.52.png
Seems ok to me, but a bit too technical.

However, before you finalise your chain length, please please please make sure you can get the Big/Big combination. :shock:

Therefore, as far as I'm concerned, it's best to start at the critical part first. By making sure your chain is ok in Big/Big, but tight in that position plus two links, it will be fine if you inadvertently select that combination.

If you are ok in Big/Big, the Small/Small combination will take care of itself.
Mick F. Cornwall
Bikefayre
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Bikefayre »

sjscycles.co.uk do both KMC and Shimano chains in 116 links so cannot understand your problem.
WOOLIFERKINS
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by WOOLIFERKINS »

KMC chains are 116 links
Neil
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Heltor Chasca
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Heltor Chasca »

Bikefayre wrote:sjscycles.co.uk do both KMC and Shimano chains in 116 links so cannot understand your problem.


Err ok BF. Not just the chain that's short [emoji17]
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Heltor Chasca
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Heltor Chasca »

WOOLIFERKINS wrote:KMC chains are 116 links


Thanks WF. Will bear in mind next 1000 miles...hc
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Heltor Chasca
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Re: Chain Length Conundrum

Post by Heltor Chasca »

Just an update. Using MickF's 'chain off and into the wash it goes' technique I lengthened a couple of chains today. I've got: One on the bike, one soaking in diesel and one spare.

I found the quick links to be by far the easiest method. I still had to use a couple of the spare inner links from the leftover bits of chain 'exported' from the Isle of Wight [emoji6] You know who you are and I'm very grateful as I am with all the helpful advice I get on this forum...b
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