[k1dude]

Normally when I do the big-big technique, the links line up pretty well. Sometimes I'm off by a half segment, so it's easy to decide what to do. But what do you do if the links are off by a full segment (female-female)? Do you go with too short of a chain (add 1 segment) or do you go with too long of a chain (add 3 segments)? I'm thinking too long to save the suspension and hubs from damage. But I don't want to too long and have chain slap problems on my chainstay.

And this time it's not big-big because there's a bashguard. So it's big-middle. Does that make any difference? Or does your middle chainring now just become your new "big"?

 

[spcarter]

When deciding the chain length on a bike with a bash guard I just play around with the length, but I pretty much just take out as much chain as I can so that it still shifts good.

 

[crisillo]

I always go big-big + 2 (just like on the shimano/sram instructions)..in this case your "big" is probably 32T...but big-big still applies

 

[k1dude]

I always go big-big + 2 (just like on the shimano/sram instructions)..in this case your "big" is probably 32T...but big-big still applies

Yeah, but in this case I can't go +2. I have to either go +1 or +3. So which do I do?

 

[crisillo]

Yeah, but in this case I can't go +2. I have to either go +1 or +3. So which do I do?

I think the problem is the definition of a link...a link is about an inch of chain (outer plates plus inner plates) .. (therefore a half-link is called that way)

anyhow I would try the bigger length first..just to be safe

half-link:

 

[Speedub.Nate]

Yeah, but in this case I can't go +2. I have to either go +1 or +3. So which do I do?

Yep, agree w/ the others. +3 if not +2.

I gotta remember to order a couple of half links to keep handy. I'ze never gots 'em when I needs 'em.

 

[daugela]

I always go big-big + 2 (just like on the shimano/sram instructions)..in this case your "big" is probably 32T...but big-big still applies

Do you run the chain through the rear der or not on this method?

 

[marsh rider]

Do you run the chain through the rear der or not on this method?

No, you bypass the rear derailleur and just run the chain straight from the chainring, to the rear cogs, and back again.

 

[crisillo]

Do you run the chain through the rear der or not on this method?

as marsh rider said, one bypasses the RD when measuring

 

[Berkeley Mike]

Go bigger.

I sure wouldn't want to encounter a half-link during a tough shift.