Number of links in chain
02-02-07, 11:23 PM
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Number of links in chain
Anyone know the "correct" number of links in a triple 8s mtb? I ran across an 8s mtb with 106 links and it didn't work right so I slapped on a chain with 110+ links and it worked fine. I'm not a pro bike mech, but I worked on it and finally came to the conclusion that the chain was too short. Should I tell my roommate to take the bike back to the shop since they messed up? (Its his bike and its pretty new.)
Thanks.
Thanks.
02-03-07, 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by z415
Anyone know the "correct" number of links in a triple 8s mtb? I ran across an 8s mtb with 106 links and it didn't work right so I slapped on a chain with 110+ links and it worked fine. I'm not a pro bike mech, but I worked on it and finally came to the conclusion that the chain was too short. Should I tell my roommate to take the bike back to the shop since they messed up? (Its his bike and its pretty new.)
02-03-07, 07:37 AM
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Wrap your chain around the big/big combination bypassing the rear derailleur. Add 1 inch of chain onto that length. That's the shortest chain that will safely work with that gear combination.
A chain that's even 1 link shorter than that risks serious bike damage if you ever accidentally shift into the big/big combination.
A chain that's even 1 link shorter than that risks serious bike damage if you ever accidentally shift into the big/big combination.
Last edited by Retro Grouch; 02-03-07 at 03:12 PM.
02-03-07, 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by z415
Anyone know the "correct" number of links in a triple 8s mtb? I ran across an 8s mtb with 106 links and it didn't work right so I slapped on a chain with 110+ links and it worked fine. I'm not a pro bike mech, but I worked on it and finally came to the conclusion that the chain was too short. Should I tell my roommate to take the bike back to the shop since they messed up? (Its his bike and its pretty new.)
The length you need varies depending on the sizes of your largest front and rear sprockets, and the length of your chainstay.
I explain the correct way to size chains at: https://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment
Sheldon "Lynx" Brown
