Floppy Chain, what am I doing wrong.

[EltonFrog]

Just installed a new chain, but I’m sure it shouldn’t be flopping about in the smallest rings. What have I done wrong.

thanks

 

[I like Skol]

Your new chain is way too long. Did you measure it against the old chain, or count the links to make sure they are both the same (counting the links is best as this removes any length change that occurs as the chain wears)?

You will need to take out at least 3 links by the looks of it.

 

[MichaelW2]

Parktools website had three ways of determining correct chain length.

 

[I like Skol]

And it looks like you have mis-routed the chain around the rear mech cage as shown below

The chain should thread through above the tab.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

You need to buy the Short Bike (SB) variety. You probably have an XLB or even an XXLB chain there.

 

[EltonFrog]

Sorted, I've been a complete dick, it never occurred to me that chains are supplied to long.

Move along nothing to see.

 

[I like Skol]

Is this your 1st time? Just make sure you correct the routing at the rear mech, you don't want to mangle that piece of Ultegra finery!

 

[EltonFrog]

The chain came with with the Ultegra package, I was being dick.

And it looks like you have mis-routed the chain around the rear mech cage as shown below

View attachment 490329

The chain should thread through above the tab.

I don't think it was threaded wrong, it might have been, it was moving up and down the cassette ok on both the small and large chain rings, but I've sorted it now, many thanks

 

[EltonFrog]

Parktools website had three ways of determining correct chain length.

Thanks and very useful they are too.

 

[EltonFrog]

Is this your 1st time? Just make sure you correct the routing at the rear mech, you don't want to mangle that piece of Ultegra finery!

Indeed, it's not my first time fitting a chain, but the rear mech is different to the old one so the chain lengths don't match.

 

[I like Skol]

I give up!

Yep, looks fine, keep riding...….

 

[C R]

Looks and works ok now. Time for a cuppa!
View attachment 490338

Are you sure the routing in the cage is correct? It looks like it is going over the pin as it comes off the top jockey.

 

[EltonFrog]

I give up!

Yep, looks fine, keep riding...….

Doh! I see what you mean! Twat.

 

[Smokin Joe]

As I Like Skol suggests, you look like you've routed the chain over the tab on the cage rather than under it. Have another check.

 

[Nibor]

your chain line through the derailleur still looks to be going over part of the cage.