REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

how much chain?

1018 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Speedub.Nate, Jun 29, 2006

Vitamin G

Discussion Starter · Jun 28, 2006

How much chain links do you leave in your chain? Enough to cross chain from the big ring to the big cassette (even though this is not advisable?)

I'm wondering because I am planning to jump from an 11-28 cassette to an 11-30 or 11-32 cassette in order to gain some lower gears. How much more chain do I need - right now I barely have enough that the big ring (44) and 28 cassette combination "will work" even though it shouldn't.

thanks,

- G

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slackdaddy

· #2 · Jun 28, 2006

You'll probably need to add two or four links. Ideally you should be able to shift into the big-big combination and cycle the rear suspension through its travel without damaging the rear derailleur. Unless your chain is real new when switching cassettes, you should replace the chain anyway.

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05stumpy

· #3 · Jun 28, 2006

shimano says to fit the chain around the big cog big ring (without derailleur) and add two links. you can "fine tune" from there.

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Vitamin G

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 29, 2006

05stumpy said:
shimano says to fit the chain around the big cog big ring (without derailleur) and add two links. you can "fine tune" from there.

Would you be able to shift into Big/big using this method? Not that I am planning to, but after a long ride sometimes my brain isn't working so good and I accidently shift the wrong way.

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Speedub.Nate

· #5 · Jun 29, 2006

Officially, Shimano and Sram both prescribe this for mountain bike triple setups, for just that very reason:

In theory, if you chain is sized correctly now, that'd be 1 half-inch link for every 2 teeth you increase in cassette size.

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