Dahon Vitesse/Neos - chain length question

[jkn]

Hi All
I have an old Dahon Vitesse which I bought S/Hand many years ago to live in the boot of my car. I expected to only ride it through gritted teeth, but in fact it's proved to be an unexpectedly good buy. I really enjoy parking a distance away from places and then cycling in etc. The ride is better than I expected and I have ended up quite fond of the thing.

I have done a few upgrades and repairs and fitted a new chain some time ago. However I forgot to check the length of the original chain and I suspect my replacement is too long...

My Vitesse has the Neos 8-speed derailleur; can anyone tell me the guidelines as to how to set the chain length? I remember the '45 degree jockey wheel cage' idea for more standard derailleurs but wondered if it was different for the Neos; I can't find any information online and no longer have the original chain.

Thanks a lot, Jon N

 

[Sharky]

Seems like you can ask Google anything ......

The factory-standard chain length for a Dahon Vitesse folding bike (typically 7-speed or 8-speed) is usually between 108 and 112 links. Because replacement chains generally come with 114 to 116 links, you will almost certainly need to size and shorten the chain.

But if everything is working and the chain is not fouling the cassette, leave as is.

 

[jkn]

Hmm - thanks a lot for checking via Google ... I wasn't able to get that info. But I am really looking for a visual way of checking, since chains stretch... counting the links has always seemed a dubious method to me.

There is no fouling but the chain is jumping a bit. I am adjusting the tension but I suspect the chain length, hence the question. I am guessing that I reduced the chain length a little when fitting, but left it on the long side to 'reduce later' ... ie now!

Cheers, jon N

 

[oldandslow]

Chains do not stretch so much as to alter the number of links required. It's more to do with whether transmission parts need replacing.

 

[jkn]

Chains do not stretch so much as to alter the number of links required. It's more to do with whether transmission parts need replacing.

Point taken, but in ... 50+ years of on&off cycle maintenance, I have always set chain length by a visual method, not by counting links. I see eg. Sheldon Brown's website does the same. I was trying to find out if the visual method is different for the Dahon/Neos componentry.

Sheldon's website indicates that each link of a chain is 0.5" - I never knew this, and will double check. Using that and giving a figure like "between 54 and 56 inches" or "between 137cm and 142cm" seems a better way of specifying than counting links.

I think I will check the length of mine in links (and hence length) and compare with what eg. Sheldon's method suggests, when I have a bit of time. I will report back...