It’s a 1x setup.
Going from 42 to 38 on the front.
My gravel bike is getting ready for a few cross races and as I rarely dip into the lower end of the cassette I’m changing for a smaller front ring to help on the steeper bits.

Is it as simple as removing 4 links from the chain to keep the same tension as I currently have?

I’d prefer just to remeasure it using the big ring big sprocket method

Went from a 50t+34t setup on my Croix de Fer to 46t+36t, same chain length.
When it’s a 1x setup I would take out 1-2links depending on the current length of chain and cage..

Is it as simple as removing 4 links from the chain to keep the same tension as I currently have?

No, because it’s only going around half the teeth! 😉 One full link will do it.

No, because it’s only going around half the teeth! One full link will do it.

I thought it would be something like that.
Surely that logic is correct.

Removing 2 rivets resulted in a perfect length.
Confirmed with the big to big + 1 link method.

Thanks guys.