Sorry if this is obvious, I 've been using a 36T chainring and sizing down to 32T. Will I need to shorten the chain?
Thanks
Richard
Depends!
The following assumes a single ring up front.
That difference is only relatively small, but if your chain is already as long as it can be at the moment, then yes, you should take some links out for use with the 32.
If, when you put the 32t on, and with the rear mech under the smallest sprocket, the chain is not tight on the bottom run, then take links out. If it is still held taught by the mech, it will be OK in theory, however you may get less dropping by taking another link or two out. Just don't make it so short you can no longer get into the large sprocket. Rule of thumb is to run the chain around the largest sprocket, not go through the mech but just straight round the front chainring. Add two full links. Split the chain at this point.
CP thanks.