Would you shorten c...
 

[Closed] Would you shorten chain going from 34 to 32 front ring?

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Offline  TrailriderJim
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It's GX Eagle and having been a Shimano rider until now, I don't even know if you can get sram joining pins. Advice welcomed.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:17 am
Offline  kerley
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No, difference is 6mm (roughly 3mm per tooth). Removing a link is 12mm.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:24 am
Offline  Yak
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Just try it first. Only shorten if it doesn't work in the 10t. Given that most folk set up chain length from the biggest cog, then the chances are it'll be fine.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:25 am
Offline  breadcrumb
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Just fit it and see. Chances are no. Unless the chain was on the long side beforehand.
Too many variables to tell you definitely.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:27 am
Offline  weeksy
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No.

But then again, on my parkwood I run anything from a 34-42 depending if zwift or trails.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:29 am
Offline  theotherjonv
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No. Unless it's too long already.

The chain only wraps (roughly, allow for some variation based on the size of the rear cog) around half the chainring, so 34T -> 32T you're wrapping one tooth less. A pair of links (inner plus outer) wraps two teeth so you can't remove the right number of links. Unless as I say it's too long already but you couldn't remove links then because 2 links would have made it too short.

I'd live with it for now anyway, so when you realise how strong you really are the 34T will just bolt back on 😉

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:30 am
Offline  theotherjonv
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Oh, and why would you need SRAM joining pins, use a powerlink and enter the 21st century!

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 8:32 am
Offline  Onzadog
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If you play with the maths, chains are "right" for two chain ring sizes on a bike like yours. However, as the chainstay length is unknown, your chain could be 32/34 or 34/36.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 9:07 am
Offline  TrailriderJim
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Chainstay length 430mm (2018 large Whyte 909).

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 9:12 am
Offline  Onzadog
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Then for your bike, I'd use the same chain length for a 32 and a 34.

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 1:02 pm
Offline  rOcKeTdOg
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you'll soon see if it's too short. you can use a quick link to mock it up shorter too and try that first

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 1:06 pm
Offline  vincienup
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As above, really.
In theory, shortening the chain is ‘correct’ but in practice the derailleur should cope with such a small difference, and the difference may well be lost in the eternal compromise between ideal length and possible lengths as governed by paired links.
A very short derailleur cage would be a concern but you don’t have one, and as mentioned, ‘joining pins’ aren’t used except in the older Shimano chain system, and even there quicklinks have been adopted although third party quicklinks were successfully used by many for years anyway...

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 1:36 pm
Offline  TrailriderJim
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Thanks all, will cut new chain to same length as original one and fit with the new chainring (gone for a steely version and it's a hefty bugger).

 
Posted : 15/12/2018 3:41 pm