Fitting new chain: length

[zaShadow]

I have read in Zinn's book to determine the length of a new chain, you wrap it around both bog cogs (bypassing the RD), bring the 2 points together at the minimum length, add one chain link, and cut it.

 

But, I've recently read on Shimano's site that for the 10 speed hyperglyde this should be 2 chain links.

 

Is 10 speed different in this sense? Should it be 2 links then?

 

Sounds silly to question Shimano, but worried that I am missing something somewhere.

 

Ps. I'm using a SRAM chain, but surely that wouldn't make a difference?

[Johan Bornman]

Have you looked at the definition of a "link"? I haven't seen the two descriptions you mention but one man's link is another man's two links.

 

A link is a two-part affair that measures 25.4mm in length.

[Minion]

Couple of methods with illustrations on the Park Tool site:

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing

[Big H*]

I have read in Zinn's book to determine the length of a new chain, you wrap it around both bog cogs (bypassing the RD), bring the 2 points together at the minimum length, add one chain link, and cut it.

 

But, I've recently read on Shimano's site that for the 10 speed hyperglyde this should be 2 chain links.

 

Is 10 speed different in this sense? Should it be 2 links then?

 

Sounds silly to question Shimano, but worried that I am missing something somewhere.

 

Ps. I'm using a SRAM chain, but surely that wouldn't make a difference?

 

Just asking, did any components change? If not it will be the same lenght as the old one!

[Tankman]

Just asking, did any components change? If not it will be the same lenght as the old one!

 

Who says the old one was correct? The 16year old appy at the bike shop?

[Inusc]

Who says the old one was correct? The 16year old appy at the bike shop?

NO his 2 year old son!

[TNT1]

You okes are weird. You're replacing a chain, right? count the number of links. Don't worry about JB's OCD, and whatever a link is, count em. Count the same number on the new chain, and there you go.

 

Also, the very first thing I remember of JB was telling all an sundry that you can't stretch a chain. (A human being can't stretch metal, blah, blah, blah... The old chain will be longer (same number of links) than the new one...)

 

You should try the new chain, against the old one, same number of links, and the old one will be longer. But you can't stretch it. Go figure.

 

Engineers. They're more f&^ked up than marketers or sales people.

[Big H*]

Who says the old one was correct? The 16year old appy at the bike shop?

 

Is this your best solution to the problem? Do you also check if they put the correct fuel into your car, is the moon made of cheese, does Spiderman really live?

Edited June 20, 2011 by eccentric1

[TNT1]

Who says the old one was correct?

 

The fact that you could change gears and stuff?

[Topwine]

 

Engineers. They're more f&^ked up than marketers or sales people.

You've got your facts wrong. I don't think JB is an engineer. At least not in the true definition of one. But he is knowledgeable in the practical side of things.

[zaShadow]

Have you looked at the definition of a "link"? I haven't seen the two descriptions you mention but one man's link is another man's two links.

 

A link is a two-part affair that measures 25.4mm in length.

 

Good point. I know a chain link as a pair of links. I'll check the wording again.

 

Thanks.

[zaShadow]

Just asking, did any components change? If not it will be the same lenght as the old one!

 

Also valid, thanks.

 

Was just hiping to learn something new too.

[zaShadow]

Who says the old one was correct? The 16year old appy at the bike shop?

 

It's the bike's original chain still, so it came like this from the manufacturer. I sure hope they know what it should be

[Tankman]

Is this your best solution to the problem? Do you also check if they put the correct fuel into your car, is the moon made of cheese, does Spiderman really live?

 

No you tjop, I was merely stating that if you want something done properly ... Do it Yourself!

And Yes, I do check that they put the correct fuel in my car! The dumbasses do manage to screw this up from time to time, even though fuel caps have been modified to be supposedly "fool proof"!

 

If I were to post a solution, like I have done a million times of this link already, it would be this link again.

 

The fact that you could change gears and stuff?

 

Yea, if you are able to change gears and stuff, it means the chain was not too short.

If you have to replace your broken or cracked rear stay, that means it was too long

Edited June 20, 2011 by Tankman

[Minion]

Do you also check if they put the correct fuel into your car?

I do. I've caught them a couple of times trying to put the wrong fuel in (so far only 95 instead of 93 - they haven't yet tried diesel). The gifted individual at the petrol station also managed to put antifreeze into a friend's oil resevoir two weeks ago (an expensive mistake that the garage was, fortunately, willing to pay for).

[David Marshall]

Chains, petrol - I don't trust anyone - especially mechanics/manufacturers/engineers. Had a job with the old Hyundai in the warranties dept. When the first bakkies rolled off the line they forgot to tell the bloke sticking the "use unleaded only" stickers on the inside of the fuel cover to take the day off. Not pretty in a deisel.

 

As for JB splitting hairs and chain link(s?) I agree with him. You can't stretch a chain - but you can make it longer by wear on the roller pins.

 

Of all the bikes I've worked on I recon at least a third have come in with incorrectly sized chains fitted. I always check a chain for wear and length.