Chain change question

[LarryDuff]

While attempting to change the chain on my bike I accidentally shortened the new chain by one link less than the old one.
Would it be ok to fit it or do I need to add a link on?

 

[S-Express]

Some more info would be useful, like which bike, gear range, etc..

 

[LarryDuff]

It's a btwin triban 3 with a triple on the front and 8 speed at the back 11-28

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Yes, you can put a new link it but it requires skill and a certain type of chain. If the chain river, when viewed head-on is peened all the way around, no. If it is only peened on two sides of the circle (i.e. two cords), then yes. Post a picture of the chain and I'll explain.

 

[Tim Hall]

Yes, you can put a new link it but it requires skill and a certain type of chain. If the chain river, when viewed head-on is peened all the way around, no. If it is only peened on two sides of the circle (i.e. two cords), then yes. Post a picture of the chain and I'll explain.

But while the OP is scrabbling around for a camera, is it likely that 8 speed chain rivets (OP's bike is 8 speed) are more amenable to re use, as opposed to fancy, skinny as a you like, 10 speed?

 

[User6179]

Did you count the links or did you lie the chains side by side after cutting ?
I counted the links then cut the new chain to the same number and sat it next to the old chain, it was one and a half links shorter because the old chain had stretched 3/4 of an inch .

Edit- So a new chain might look a link shorter if sat next to an old chain but they have the same amount of links , the old chain has just wore down at the pins and got longer.

 

[LarryDuff]

I thought I had counted the links correctly.

 

[youngoldbloke]

How were you going to join the chain? If you were going to rivet it, just use a quicklink instead and you'll be adding a link. Otherwise check your chain length with the big to big method outlined above or use the Machinehead calculator to check the correct length.

 

[the snail]

If the rd isn't folded right up in small/small ring/sprocket, or much past 45deg on large/large then you don't need to do anything. Bear in mind that with the same no. of links, a new chain will be shorter than a worn one.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Did you count the links or did you lie the chains side by side after cutting ?
I counted the links then cut the new chain to the same number and sat it next to the old chain, it was one and a half links shorter because the old chain had stretched 3/4 of an inch .

Edit- So a new chain might look a link shorter if sat next to an old chain but they have the same amount of links , the old chain has just wore down at the pins and got longer.

With that amount of elongation, I'm pretty sure the chain has worn beyond 0.5% and will have damaged the cassette.

 

[User6179]

With that amount of elongation, I'm pretty sure the chain has worn beyond 0.5% and will have damaged the cassette.

Had done 5000 miles and I got another 5000 miles out the cassette ( Ultegra 10 speed) but changed the chain at 2500 miles intervals , the cassette might still have had some life in it but I swapped it out .

 

[LarryDuff]

Just to let you know I connected the chain with a quick link and it seems to be fine.

 

[LarryDuff]

Just to let you know I connected the chain with a quick link and it seems to be fine.