How many link in your chain?

inter · Jan 4, 2013

I just snapped my chain (the inside link) the other day. so I had to take out 3 links, and put 1 quicklink. Before that, I intentionally took out 3 link and put 1 quicklink just to shortened my chain to get more tension. I did this on my old bike as well.
Now I counted mine has 108 links including the 2 quicklinks, that means originally I had 112 links with 3x10. now I run 1x10 drivetrain, with 32t ring, 11-36 cassette.
My rear der is XT with long cage.

Do you think 108 links enough for my setup? How many link in your chain?

Happy trails,
Inter

eatdrinkride · Jan 4, 2013

large/ large + 1 inch is a general rule. If you have a FS make sure it cycles ok...you could let the air out of the shock first and compress it.

I have no idea how many links are in my chain, never counted.

Park Tool Co. » ParkTool Blog » Chain Length Sizing

huffster · Jan 4, 2013

eatdrinkride said:
large/ large + 1 inch is a general rule.

^this. My rule of thumb is almost the same "large-large plus 2 links". Has worked to this point.

eatdrinkride · Jan 4, 2013

huffster said:
^this. My rule of thumb is almost the same "large-large plus 2 links". Has worked to this point.

2 linkies = 1 inch, lol

OP: To be honest I just put the chain in middle/middle and use a length that puts my rear der. between 4 and 5 o'clock position. Always works for me and my suspension but it's just easier to offer the "standard" advice of large/large + inch. In the end it's the same for me.

inter · Jan 5, 2013

Sorry, i dont understand, "large / large plus 2 links". How many links are those?

the-one1 · Jan 5, 2013

inter said:
Sorry, i dont understand, "large / large plus 2 links". How many links are those?

You don't count the links. You loop the chain around the big sprocket and big chain ring, then add 2 links to the equation.

eatdrinkride · Jan 5, 2013

inter said:
Sorry, i dont understand, "large / large plus 2 links". How many links are those?

There is no 'proper' amount of links. It depends on your drivetrain, your bike, your suspension, etc... That's why they come so big, you are supposed to cut them to proper length.

Park Tool Co. » ParkTool Blog » Chain Length Sizing

shimano chain sizing - Google Search

Snfoilhat · Jan 5, 2013

A link count is nearly meaningless because even w/ the same chainring and cog sizes (less and less likely as the the variety of drivetrains explodes), chainstay length differs.

Here's a diagram that depicts exactly what posters above said.

eatdrinkride · Jan 5, 2013

it's really quite simple

Snfoilhat said:
A link count is nearly meaningless because even w/ the same chainring and cog sizes (less and less likely as the the variety of drivetrains explodes), chainstay length differs.

Here's a diagram.

All that may be true but lets not make a mountain out of a mole hill for the poor OP.

OP, just route the chain over the biggest rear cog and the biggest front ring...do not include the rear der. Then add 1 inch (2 links) and cut. Unless you have a full ss rig this will do, and even if you do have a fs bike, it works out just fine on most bikes. (although I still recommend simply letting the air out and compressing the suspension as you make this measurement..just to be sure)

inter · Jan 5, 2013

Thanks guys.
So far my bike shift normally, so i guess the chain length is good.
Have a nice weekend.

How many link in your chain?

inter

eatdrinkride

huffster

eatdrinkride

inter

the-one1

eatdrinkride

Snfoilhat

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