New chain is one link too short...

[Maz]

I am replacing the chain on my bike and I have mistakenly made the new chain one link too short (compared to the old chain).
If fitted as is, will the new chain be OK?
Will it mess up my gearing or anything like that?
Should I try to add one one more link?
Thanks

 

[Pauluk]

Do you mean a link as in 0.5"? or do you mean one inner and one outer (1"). I thought you could only attach an outer to an inner link so surely you would have to add 2. So if its just one link too short (0.5") I'd try it first on a stand then if that seemed ok I'd ride it round the block.
Having said that, I'd size the chain with the large large cog method. See what the chain looks like with that method as you fit it.

 

[Maz]

Do you mean a link as in 0.5"? or do you mean one inner and one outer (1"). I thought you could only attach an outer to an inner link so surely you would have to add 2. So if its just one link too short (0.5") I'd try it first on a stand then if that seemed ok I'd ride it round the block.
Having said that, I'd size the chain with the large large cog method. See what the chain looks like with that method as you fit it.

0.5 inch short. Both ends of the chain have inners - the 'powerlink' joins them together.
I've put it all back together again and it seems OK (but not ridden it yet nor gone through all the gears).
Maybe the rear deraillleur will just carry the extra tension of the shorter chain.

 

[Sittingduck]

Join the chain together (if using a quicklink).
Select biggest chainring & smallest sprocket combo.
Jockey wheels should be roughly one above the other.

 

[Maz]

Join the chain together (if using a quicklink).
Select biggest chainring & smallest sprocket combo.
Jockey wheels should be roughly one above the other.

They are - more or less. Thank you.

 

[Sittingduck]

I would think it'll be ok. I read somewhere that this was a good benchmark to aim for. It's worked out ok for me in the past, anyway!