I see most sites list a link count with chains. Standard for Sram seems to be 114 and KMC is 116. With the longer stays on 29rs is anyone finding chains to be to short? The last chain I ordered for my 29r I had to use the whole chain I think it was 114.
My large Anthem X29 takes 116 links with a triple up front. (42-32-22 + 11-36)
New 10 speed KMC chains are delivered with 112 links. Shimano XTR with 116.
I guess it depedns on the KMC chain. Jenson USA is listing some of them as having 116. I am going to have to count the ones on my Spearfish and see how many it has.
I ran into this problem replacing the chain on my Kona HeiHei. It required 116 links and the KMC X10SL chain I ordered only came with 112. I'm not sure if I got shorted but I'll use it on my 10sp hardtail if it will fit or on my road bike and when I ordered another chain for the Kona I made sure it had 116 links.
Mole
I believe kmc is still living in the past, however 29ers don't really need a 44 tooth chainring to go super fast and frame geometry and chainstays are getting shorter.
Haha, very true! I'm sure most people who bought chains too short didn't even realize it till they went to install it. Honest mistake, but still...another good reason why it's important to ask question or do a little research before jumping on a sale price.
Rule of thumb...always better to have too much, then not enough. Same goes with cable housing, shift cables, seatposts, forks, and handlebars.
I ride a RacerX29er, which is known for old skool 29er geometry with long chainstays. I buy XTR 9 speed chains (116 links, IIRC) I typically have to cut off a few links with a 42t big ring... usually 3 complete pair links.
IIRC, the Shimano rule is you wrap the chain around the big ring and big cog, not through the derailleur, and add one link. That gets you the proper chain length.
To find optimum chain length.. you need a chain break tool.
Remove chain, run chain over both of the large chain rings, front back. Now mark where they meet.
Add two links plus the master link. Once completed install chain back into drive train and recheck rear derailuer shifting to spec.
Done. Perfect.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
15.4M posts
515.2K members
Since 1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!