Just realized I been doing chain length all wrong for years

Always just used the big-big method and called it good. Read a article from Park Tool's site last night that broke down why that can actually cause shifting issues on modern derailleurs with clutch systems. Turns out you gotta account for the suspension bob on mountain bikes too, not just static length. I tested it on my Santa Cruz today and the chain was actually 2 links too long after measuring right. Has anyone else found better shifting after correcting their chain length this way?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_mila23d ago

That's a rough way to find out your bike has been lying to you for years. Two extra links is basically a chain skipping rope hanging off the back there. My buddy swore by the big-big method until his chain sucked itself into his rear spokes on a rocky descent, and that was a real loud wake up call. Best part is you probably had a silent witness the whole time wondering why your shifts sounded like gravel in a blender.

oscar74322d ago

Honestly the big-big method can work if you know what youre doing but most people just eyeball it and end up with a mess like this. Two extra links is a lot though, I bet the chain was slapping the chainstay on every bump and nobody noticed. The real trick is to size the chain with the rear mech fully compressed and the front on the biggest ring, then add one more link for safety. Your buddy's story about the chain eating itself into the spokes is exactly why I stopped trusting the big-big method on anything but a shop stand. Hope you get that sorted before the next ride because a snapped chain on a rocky descent is no joke.