Amount of chain links for dual squish bike

[DR ◣◢]

I never really thought of this before but how would you calculate the amount of links you need for a dual suspension bike. 

 

My setup is 30t front with 11-51 rear. 

 

I assume buying a 126 link chain should be more than enough to chop down to size. I remember something about 118 only supporting up to 32t but I'm not sure if that keeps chain growth in mind. 

[Jehosefat]

It depends on the length of your chain stays as well as the gear combos you are using. Just having the gears is not enough info.

[Psyrax]

Best is to go to the Youtube channel of Parktool. Calvin will show you.

[TheoG]

I never really thought of this before but how would you calculate the amount of links you need for a dual suspension bike. 

 

My setup is 30t front with 11-51 rear. 

 

I assume buying a 126 link chain should be more than enough to chop down to size. I remember something about 118 only supporting up to 32t but I'm not sure if that keeps chain growth in mind. 

 

There are 2 different formulas, a easy one and a more advanced one.  I got it set up in a spreadsheet a few days ago.  If you give me your chain stay length I can do the calc for you.  You can also do the practical method as explained by the Parktool dude and compare the two results.

 

Or I can send you the spreadsheet and you can do it yourself, just PM me your email.

 

Edit:  Yes 126 will be more than enough.

Edited November 24, 2020 by Theog

[DR ◣◢]

There are 2 different formulas, a easy one and a more advanced one.  I got it set up in a spreadsheet a few days ago.  If you give me your chain stay length I can do the calc for you.  You can also do the practical method as explained by the Parktool dude and compare the two results.

 

Or I can send you the spreadsheet and you can do it yourself, just PM me your email.

 

Edit:  Yes 126 will be more than enough.

 

Thank you. Just needed to know that 126 has enough links before chopping it to spec for the Shimano drivetrain. 

[TheoG]

Thank you. Just needed to know that 126 has enough links before chopping it to spec for the Shimano drivetrain. 

 

No problem.  If anyone else are interested just let me know.  For my bike, the calculation worked out exactly the same amount of links (120) as the practical method.

Edited November 24, 2020 by Theog