Is my chain now too short?

stormed · Jun 7, 2015

Since changing to a 39/53 from a 42/52, I fear this could be too short when in "big to big" cogs. Should I worry about this or leave as is? It all works fine, moves though all the gears smoothly, but I still want it to be correct.

KermitGKona88 · Jun 7, 2015

Re:

If that is in big to big I would say it is fine, you shouldn't really be running it at such extremes too often if at all

S1m0nR · Jun 7, 2015

Re:

The way to test it is to change to small/small and see if you can put another couple of links in without the chain tapping on the dérailleur sprocket.

As above, you're unlikely to be in big/big all that often (or more accurately it's easy to avoid) so no big drama.

hamster · Jun 8, 2015

If it runs in big-big it is fine. Adding links only adds weight.

Spokesmann · Jun 8, 2015

In my book that's way too short.

Jonny69 · Jun 8, 2015

It's too short for me. I'd add another two links so that it doesn't pull the derailleur to the extreme of its travel like that.

glpinxit · Jun 8, 2015

That looks fine to me. Everything I've read says in 'big to big' the right length is as short as you can go and still have observable deviation round the derailleur pulleys. And as others have said you should not be in that gear (or small to small).

Mike Muz · Jun 8, 2015

Re:

Looks too short to me as well.
Although I too would never ride on that gear, as others have also stated. Don't think the next one down would be much better either.
Got a photo of small/small?

Mike

stormed · Jun 8, 2015

Re:

I will post one tomorrow. Interesting to hear the difference in opinions anyway.

mattr · Jun 8, 2015

glpinxit":20iwbe0k said:
the right length is as short as you can go and still have observable deviation round the derailleur pulleys.

Might apply to road or mtb triples with long cage mechs, but for a road double, short cage, I'd have an extra inch of chain in there. Too short chain can (in some cases) give you less than optimal shifting and faster wear.

Is my chain now too short?

stormed

Dirt Disciple

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