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Should I shorten chain?

Old 07-10-20, 01:25 PM
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CanadianBiker32
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Should I shorten chain?

Road bike on cervelo
i think my chain might be too long?

when i shift to smaller ring in front
and go to more of a climbing gear and sway bike,
my chain is rubbing on the spokes abit and seems loose

should i trim chain a link or 2 down? thanks
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Old 07-10-20, 02:04 PM
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Size it by one of the several methods and you won't have to guess.
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Old 07-10-20, 02:23 PM
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Put it on Big:Big and see how much slack you have.
You want at least 1" + fraction of a link SET.
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Old 07-10-20, 03:36 PM
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The big/big test is done with the chain NOT running through the rear derailleur. Bring the ends together and add 1 inch, to get the shortest possible chain.

Another test is to shift to the small chain ring and smallest sprocket. In this combination, the chain should have a little tension on it and not hang loose, assuming you're not using a largest sprocket that exceeds the RD's wrap capacity. In that case, the chain may hang loose in 2-3 of the smallest sprockets, when in the small chain ring.
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Old 07-10-20, 04:13 PM
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Bill Kapaun
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Originally Posted by DaveSSS
The big/big test is done with the chain NOT running through the rear derailleur. Bring the ends together and add 1 inch, to get the shortest possible chain.

Another test is to shift to the small chain ring and smallest sprocket. In this combination, the chain should have a little tension on it and not hang loose, assuming you're not using a largest sprocket that exceeds the RD's wrap capacity. In that case, the chain may hang loose in 2-3 of the smallest sprockets, when in the small chain ring.
Running through the RDER doesn't make a lot of difference unless you're worrying about 1/4" or so. (if that)
My test can quickly be done in situ and give a VERY good idea if you are too long.
It's even simpler if you're not holding a camera in the other hand.
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Old 07-10-20, 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
Size it by one of the several methods and you won't have to guess.
But the chain must always be left long enough to shift into the big-big combination.
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Old 07-10-20, 06:55 PM
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Of course, and any of the methods will account for that.
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Old 07-10-20, 09:52 PM
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Sounds more like a derailleur adjustment. The only place the chain gets near the spokes is at the derailleur.
On the stand shift into the lowest gear and give the derailleur a push towards the spoke and see if it rubs.
Bent hanger or limit screw if it does.
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