How Short Should I make My Chain?
03-31-21, 07:06 AM
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How Short Should I make My Chain?
My bike is a GT Aggressor Pro the front crank set is set up with 42/34/24T chain rings, my back is a 11-34T 8-speed cassette. I am upgrading my front crankset to a 1x, it is going to be a 32T Round, narrow wide chain ring. I would like to shorten my chain but to be honest I don't know how many links to shorten it. Can someone help me out? I can try to provide more info if you need it. I have no idea what my chain specs are in terms of spacing. My bike is brand new I just purchased it 2 weeks ago from Dick's Sporting goods, it's a GT Aggressor Pro 27.5 inch, with 21 inch frame.
03-31-21, 07:21 AM
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I would start with enough chain to go into the largest (or only) gear in front and the largest cog in the back and then add two full links. Because you are new, maybe even go with three links. As long as there is no slack when you are in the two smallest gears, you will be fine. It is much better for the chain to be too long than too short, and it is better to make the chain shorter rather than longer.
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03-31-21, 07:41 AM
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I would start with enough chain to go into the largest (or only) gear in front and the largest cog in the back and then add two full links. Because you are new, maybe even go with three links. As long as there is no slack when you are in the two smallest gears, you will be fine. It is much better for the chain to be too long than too short, and it is better (sub easier) to make the chain shorter rather than longer.
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AndrewRStewart
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03-31-21, 08:07 AM
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Both replies work. I'd also go by what the manufacturer of your DR recommends. If Shimano, then look for the DM or SI for the exact model of your rear DR. Some of their models they have a different procedure depending on whether your front is 1x, 2x, or 3x.
https://si.shimano.com/#/
The important thing is that it not be so long that your rear DR cage hits it's rear stop or quits putting tension on the lower run of chain. And that it not be so short that the jockey wheel is in danger of trying to do a weird and dangerous mating ritual with any of the cogs. <grn>
There are a few links either way in length you can usually go from ideal.
https://si.shimano.com/#/
The important thing is that it not be so long that your rear DR cage hits it's rear stop or quits putting tension on the lower run of chain. And that it not be so short that the jockey wheel is in danger of trying to do a weird and dangerous mating ritual with any of the cogs. <grn>
There are a few links either way in length you can usually go from ideal.
04-01-21, 05:48 PM
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I am curious as to why....go 1x without going to the big range cassette, seems like there will a lot of low end loss?
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
04-02-21, 08:21 PM
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Generally, for 1x you usually size the chain over the largest cog and the chainring and add 4 links (instead of 2 for most multi chainring drivetrains), which is what I'd recommend in this case.
04-03-21, 05:44 PM
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Short enough so it doesn't double over itself when you run small-small (which you shouldn't) and long enough so it doesn't bind and tear the derailleur out of the hanger when you try to run big-big (which you shouldn't).. There are websites and books that teach this stuff. There's probably and FAQ for it somewhere on this site, too.
