How Long Of A Bike Chain Do I Need?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  1. Calculate C, where C = CD/p.
  2. Calculate A, where A = Z1 + Z2.
  3. Calculate S, where S = Z2 – Z1.
  4. Refer to the adjacent table to find the T value for the calculated S value.
  5. Chain Length in Pitches, CL = 2C + (A/2) + (T/C)

What chain size do I need?

If you are using a bike with a derailleur

the number of cogs on the rear hub will determine the chain size you will need

. They are always 3/32′′ chains. You can get a 5/6/7-speed, 8-speed, 9-speed, or 10-speed chains.

How do I know if my chain is too long?

Do a simple check on your bike by shifting the chain to the big chainring and the biggest cassette cog; then, push on the end of the derailleur cage (pushing forward) to see how much it will move forward. If it moves just a little, then you’re good.

If it moves a lot, then you’ve got too much chain

.

How long should a chain be?

After a measurement is obtained, its a good idea to opt for a necklace size that is

at least the second size up from your neck size

. For example, if you have an 18 inch neck, you should probably choose a chain length of 20 inches or more. An 18 inch chain would feel too tight.

How do I measure a bike chain?

How long is a 116 link bike chain?

One link is two pin-to-pin dimensions. Each pin is 1/2′′ from its neighbor, so a full link is 1′′ long. When they say the chain is 116 links, they are really saying there are 116 pins, for a chain length of

58 inches

.

Do I need to shorten my bike chain?

Why Shorten a Bike Chain? All bikes come with a recommended bike chain length.

It’s important to stick to this length if you want to ride comfortably and preserve the life of the rear derailleur

. It’s the bike chain that does the work of getting the tires in rotation so that your bike can get in motion.

What will happen if bike chain is too long?

If the bike chain is too long it will cause problems when changing gears as you shift gears and the derailleur can’t pick up the extra chain length. As a result,

the chain may keep slipping off

. While if the chain is too short it can bind and do a lot of damage if you shift into a chainring and cog.

Does chain length affect shifting?

Chains come in many different types, configurations and widths. There are also myriad crank and derailleur combinations, so sizing the chain to the correct length is extremely important for drivetrain longevity and shifting performance.

If you install a chain too short or too long, you can affect performance

.

How many miles should a chain last?

Expect

between 1,500 and 3,000 miles

from a 10-speed chain. It helps to establish what counts as ‘worn out’. A chain is worn enough to affect transmission efficiency when it lengthens by 0.75% but has some life left if extended mileage is the aim, in which case it should ideally be replaced when it lengthens by 1%.

Is 20 inch chain too short?

If you have an 18-inch neck size, then an 18-inch chain is not going to fit. However,

if you want the look of a short chain necklace a 20-22 inch would be about right

.

Is 18 inch chain too short?

How thick of a chain should I get?

Try to choose chain that fits your size. If you are a slim guy, then slim chains

between 2 mm and 4 mm

will fit you well. If you have a large size and thick neck, wider chains may look more proportional. We have a selection of men’s sterling silver chains from 1 mm to 8 mm wide.

How many links should a bike chain have?

A new bicycle chain usually comes with

116 links

. This is long enough for the biggest chainrings and for most distances of rear wheel from front chainrings. So for optimal length a new chain is usually shortened from the 116 links that come in the box.

Are bike chains universal?

All modern bicycle chains are made to the “one-half inch pitch” standard, meaning from rivet to rivet is nominally 0.5 inches. The sprocket teeth are cut for this same one-half inch standard to accept bicycle chains. However,

this does not mean all makes and models of chains are interchangeable

.

How do you measure a bike chain for replacement?

Is 114 link chain long enough?


In most cases it will be long enough

. I have used a 114 link chain with 34/50 and 11-40 cassette on 422mm chainstays. setup is 34×50 chain rings.

What is a 420 chain?



All PEER roller chains incorporate solid rollers enhancing rotation on the

.

bushing while reducing impact loads on the sprocket tooth during operation

. – All chain components are heat treated to achieve maximum strength. and greater wear resistance.

How do you shorten a Shimano bike chain?

Can I shorten my chain by one link?


Unless using a special half link (as mentioned and linked to by Chris H) to shorten a chain you have to remove the same number of outer and inner plate links

. The distance between the joining pins is 0.5 inch so joined chain are always a multiple of whole inches long.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.