Is this chain too short?

[3narf]

I have a habit of over-shortening chains.

There's still a couple of inches of upwards movement in the mech when it's on the big ring, but I'm guessing the chain will wear faster if it's this short, probably the mech, too... I suppose I should put a couple of links back in. I haven't ridden the bike yet so I should probably do it while everything is clean.

 

[Racing roadkill]

If there is still movement in the mech with the bike in that ratio, I'd say it's fine, possibly not ideal / best practice, but it should still work fine. If there is any reticence of the chain to get into the lower gears, then maybe think about re-lengthening the chain. I tend to find that a 116 link chain works fine, with a medium or long cage mech, right up to 53-30, with plenty of travel left in the mech. The angle of dangle might need adjustments, on the granny ring particularly, but I've not had any real issues.

 

[Crackle]

Too short by a good few links. Is that a clutch mech on the back? Running a 1by10 might require some compromise actually, so I'd be inclined to wait for someone who's got one to offer an opinion, like @Ffoeg or @Cubist

 

[raleighnut]

I have a habit of over-shortening chains.

There's still a couple of inches of upwards movement in the mech when it's on the big ring, but I'm guessing the chain will wear faster if it's this short, probably the mech, too... I suppose I should put a couple of links back in. I haven't ridden the bike yet so I should probably do it while everything is clean.

View attachment 337617

What does it look like in top.

 

[3narf]

What does it look like in top.

Ill go take a pic. Thanks for comments, all

 

[3narf]

In top.

 

[Racing roadkill]

View attachment 337619

In top.

Looks fine.

 

[raleighnut]

View attachment 337619

In top.

I'd say it was fine, you could have left another pair of links in but I for one would be wary of joining a pair in on a chain.

 

[fixedfixer]

Is that a new chain fitted? It looks very clean. If so add 2 links, possibly 3. Not ideal but you might need to add more than one quick link if it is a fancy chain.

 

[fossyant]

Bit too short.

 

[3narf]

It is a brand new chain; I have Shimano joining pins if the consensus is that I need to put a pitch back in, but opinions seem divided so far (although this isn't reflected in the voting results!)...

 

[Bimble]

A little too short IMHO too. Pop a couple of links in and new photos?

 

[User33236]

Too short imho. I've got a 1x11 and the RD sits a good bit further back in top but still has plenty of spring in it.

 

[Gixxerman]

Too short IMHO. I have always used the method shown on Sheldon Brown's website.
This is to feed the chain round large chainwheel and largest rear gear, but without going through the rear mech. The chain must overlap by a full link (one inner and one outer link).
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

 

[TheDoctor]

I reckon it's a bit short, but if it works then it must be OK!