Chain Length

[Slider]

Having tweaked a few derailler hangers by mistakenly going big/big, I've started to leave new chains long enough to take the cross gearing problem without stressing the **** out of my drivetrain. As a bonus, I get to do a few more trailside chain break repairs before I have to add back the links.

I used to set it so that the derailler pulleys were perpendicular to the ground in middle/middle. Now, the chain is maybe 3 links longer.

What's the downside here? It seems to shift OK.

Slider

[Jisch]

I think the only downside is that your derrailer spring is fully extended, and not putting enough tension on the chain to hold it in place on the cassette.

John

[Jisch]

Extra chainslap too.

John

...and extra weight.

[bikerdom]

Chain manufacturers suggest wrap around the big ring and the largest cog(don't thread it through the derailleur) and add two links for proper length. Works perfect every time. Try SRAM http://sram.com/_media/techdocs/Chain_all_MTB_08_02.pdf

[SteveC]

Oooh.... we could start on my favorite topic--Chain Stretch.....;)