- News
- Reviews
- Bikes
- Accessories
- Accessories - misc
- Computer mounts
- Bags
- Bar ends
- Bike bags & cases
- Bottle cages
- Bottles
- Cameras
- Car racks
- Child seats
- Computers
- Glasses
- GPS units
- Helmets
- Lights - front
- Lights - rear
- Lights - sets
- Locks
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Racks
- Pumps & CO2 inflators
- Puncture kits
- Reflectives
- Smart watches
- Stands and racks
- Trailers
- Clothing
- Components
- Bar tape & grips
- Bottom brackets
- Brake & gear cables
- Brake & STI levers
- Brake pads & spares
- Brakes
- Cassettes & freewheels
- Chains
- Chainsets & chainrings
- Derailleurs - front
- Derailleurs - rear
- Forks
- Gear levers & shifters
- Groupsets
- Handlebars & extensions
- Headsets
- Hubs
- Inner tubes
- Pedals
- Quick releases & skewers
- Saddles
- Seatposts
- Stems
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Health, fitness and nutrition
- Tools and workshop
- Miscellaneous
- Tubeless valves
- Buyers Guides
- Features
- Forum
- Recommends
- Podcast
forum
Chain length
Hi I currently run a 30-54 on the front and 11-28 on the rear.
My question is if I change the cassette to a 11-32 how many more chain links do I need to add please ?
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
Latest Forum Topics
Latest Comments
- Rendel Harris 1 sec ago
Whilst I agree that there was a lack of skill from the rider that contributed significantly to their mishap (as I said elsewhere on this thread, I...
- CrisPH 7 min 37 sec ago
Wondered why the review didn't include a 360 camera such as the Insta360 x4. The ability to shoot first and frame later, film yourself, left right...
- Chougher 16 min 1 sec ago
It's the pirate life for me, mateys
- Rendel Harris 17 min 22 sec ago
Because the whole foundation of Tory ideology is the pursuit of wealth and material goods as the ultimate human good and measure of human worth and...
- chrisonabike 31 min 1 sec ago
Just send 'em over here or here...
- redimp 47 min 59 sec ago
I am dubious that a broadcasters decision that only effects cycling fans in the UK and Ireland will have prompted an announcement from One Cycling....
- Alligator 49 min 37 sec ago
The danger of large corporate entities controlling access to sport is being brought home by the actions of this American company , the problem for...
- Laz 1 hour 50 min ago
if folks find it too difficult to drive safely then they shouldnt be driving at all
- quiff 2 hours 8 min ago
I don't have personal experience of both, but this site does. Stu Kerton's review of the Secan 2.5 (so not the very latest edition) suggests it's...
- lonpfrb 2 hours 23 min ago
This is the government 'For Change' massive opportunity for joined up government at:...
Add new comment
7 comments
It's two links. I did the reverse and had to remove two. Can't remember how I worked it out but it was definitely two.
It's a pretty easy sum:
32 - 28 = 4 teeth difference.
1 chain link spans 2 teeth.
4/2 = 2 new links.
The thing is, basing the new chain length on the old one assumes the old one is correct, which isn't always the case.
Rear mechs are also designed to cope with standard chainrings, so you've got more range to play with on a compact. Chances are the chain will be be fine as is
Assume you mean 34 - 50 on the front ?
Possibly none. We don't know how long your chain is now. Just fit the cassette, try and put it into 50-32 on the stand, you'll soon know if it's long enough, it's not rocket science
Just found an online calculator: https://www.bergfreunde.eu/chain-length-calculator/
Plugging in some numbers and it works out at 2 links different (assuming the default 400mm chainstay).
If you want some more detail on chain lengths, the Park Tool website has a good page on it: https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing
Personally, I tend to put the chain on the biggest chainring and biggest sprocket and pull the chain so that the derailleur is a little bit off its maximum position and then eyeball how many links to remove. I tend to err on the more links side as it's easier to remove an extra link than it is to add one (I don't like the idea of putting in extra quick links), and it doesn't usually cause problems having an extra link or two or three.
Probably 2, but you're better off downloading the instructions for your groupset and using the manufacturer's method to set chain length, e.g. Campagnolo specifies the distance between the chain and jockey wheel in small/small.