Another Chain Question

Ed_Zep said:

I've got a cheapo 7-speed hybrid. I replaced the chain, a PC48, I
think and didn't bother checking if it needed any links. It seems to
be running just fine.

However, I read, maybe on Sheldon Brown's site, that chains almost
always need a link adding or removing.

If it's running ok, would be correct to not worry about it.

Thanks, Ed.

No, you need to check every gear, preferably while the bike is in a
stand so you can see the rear derailleur while you are switching
through all the gears. Usually a chain needs to be shortened, I'm
guessing if you put the front in 1 and the rear in 7, your chain will
be a floppin'.

Chris

Ed Zep said:

I've got a cheapo 7-speed hybrid. I replaced the chain, a PC48, I
think and didn't bother checking if it needed any links. It seems
to be running just fine.

Quoted message said:

However, I read, maybe on Sheldon Brown's site, that chains almost
always need a link adding or removing.

Quoted message said:

If it's running OK, would be correct to not worry about it.

Just see if it works on your large chainwheel and largest rear
sprocket to see if the chain is long enough. Do this carefully,
because if the chain is not long enough it can break the derailleur.
The see if it runs in the other extreme but that isn't as important,
because you generally don't ride the small chainwheel with the smaller
sprockets and at worst the chain will hang slack or fall off.

To allow for large chain length differences, long arm touring
derailleurs are made that can take up extra lengths of chain.

Jobst Brandt

Ed_Zep said:

I've got a cheapo 7-speed hybrid. I replaced the chain, a PC48, I
think and didn't bother checking if it needed any links. It seems to
be running just fine.
However, I read, maybe on Sheldon Brown's site, that chains almost
always need a link adding or removing.
If it's running ok, would be correct to not worry about it.

The directions in the PC48 package encouraged you to pull the chain
around the largest front and largest rear, add 2 rivets then cut before
passing the chain through the derailleurs. Did you use that method? It
was the white paper with drawings in the plastic bag with your snap link.

p.s. next time use seven speed chain. Same price, wears longer, possibly
better front shifts.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Quoted message said:

Ed_Zep said:

I've got a cheapo 7-speed hybrid. I replaced the chain, a PC48, I
think and didn't bother checking if it needed any links. It seems to
be running just fine.
However, I read, maybe on Sheldon Brown's site, that chains almost
always need a link adding or removing.
If it's running ok, would be correct to not worry about it.

Chris Nelson said:

No, you need to check every gear, preferably while the bike is in a
stand so you can see the rear derailleur while you are switching
through all the gears. Usually a chain needs to be shortened, I'm
guessing if you put the front in 1 and the rear in 7, your chain will
be a floppin'.

Chain sag at any given length depends greatly on the gear ratios and
chainstay length, partly on the model of rear changer.

Agree that now is the time to double check. Before riding.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Thanks everyone, will get it checked.

The chain didn't come with any instructions but I guess they're on the
Net somewhere, so I have no excuse. 🙂

Ed.

On Wed, 27 Jun 2007 04:23:43 -0700, Ed_Zep <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Thanks everyone, will get it checked.

The chain didn't come with any instructions but I guess they're on the
Net somewhere, so I have no excuse. 🙂

http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

--
jeverett3<AT>sbcglobal<DOT>net (John V. Everett)

On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:02:15 -0500, A Muzi <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

p.s. next time use seven speed chain. Same price, wears longer, possibly
better front shifts.
--

Andrew: Does SRAM still sell a seven speed chain? Or are you
referring to another manufacturer?

I run seven speeds and vintage chainwheels... wondering if there's
better shifting out there for me.

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:02:15 -0500, A Muzi <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

p.s. next time use seven speed chain. Same price, wears longer, possibly
better front shifts.

still me said:

Andrew: Does SRAM still sell a seven speed chain? Or are you
referring to another manufacturer?
I run seven speeds and vintage chainwheels... wondering if there's
better shifting out there for me.

Yes there are vintage sevens out there but KMC has a current inexpensive
7.3mm chain and optional snap link for it. Look at one- the rivets
protrude farther which helps vintage front changers.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

we lay the new and/or old chain out on a 1x4x6' for checking link
count and chain stretch. Board marking the first link position then
10's or at 50/100-plus the next 12 or 14 may help confirm the process
under the usual ongoing uproar.
the problem in cross chaining to large front large count rear does
happen sometimes when tired at 75 miles. rolling the CR and pushing
the chain off the CR with a finger cures.