I shortened my chain, is this bad?

Asked by: Amy Jariwala

What happens if chain is to short?

If the chain is too short, this shift is difficult to make and the derailleur cage is stretched out and almost parallel to the chainstay. If the chain is really short, then you might not even be able to shift into the largest cog.

Is it OK to shorten a chain?

If you need to shorten your chain simply because it is too long as a result of having too many links, then reducing your chain is a perfectly good idea, and is safe to do. However, if you’re shortening your chain because it has stretched due to wear and use over time, the chain should not be shortened.

Is it OK to shorten your bike chain?

Remove additional links to shorten the chain.



Only remove the minimum number of links to make your chain work — generally less than 5. The more you shorten the chain, the more stress you’ll put on the links. As before, leave the pins partially attached and set aside all components.

Does chain length affect shifting?

In short, the wrong length derailleur cage will make determining proper chain length nearly impossible. Too much chain length and you’ll have shifting issues and suffer from dropped chains, but too little could rip your bike’s derailleur right off.

Does the length of a chain matter?

Quote from video: And then also how it could affect your bike when you're out riding. So what exactly does your chain need to be the correct length well it's all to do with the rear derailleur. And the cage here which

How many miles should a chain last?

2,000 to 3,000 miles

Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style.

How much does it cost to shorten a chain?

To shorten a regular chain, the service is around $30-35. For thick chains in Cuban, curb, or Figaro style, the jeweler has to spend more time and labor to remove the links, so expect a corresponding increase of $20 or more in price.

How long does it take to shorten a chain?

Most items take same-day or 1 day turnaround time, while the large chains will require about a week to size and solder due to the thickness and the material.

How long should my bike chain be?

Before removing the old chain, verify that it is the correct length. Shift the bike into the largest chainring and rear cog. The chain should be long enough to make this shift with two slight bends at each pulley of the rear derailleur. Next, shift to the smallest chainring and sprocket.

How do I know if my chain is too long?

Do a simple check on your bike by shifting the chain to the big chainring and the biggest cassette cog; then, push on the end of the derailleur cage (pushing forward) to see how much it will move forward. If it moves just a little, then you’re good. If it moves a lot, then you’ve got too much chain.

Can I remove 1 link from bike chain?

Disconnect Type 1



To disconnect this type of link, place one jaw of your pliers on the chain pin, and the other jaw on the open end of the clip. Then squeeze your pliers until the clip pops off. Then you can remove the outer plate and slide out the rest of the link.

How do I make my chain shorter?

Quote from video: You would want to shorten the necklace. And bring the pendant. Up to the top of your chest. So these are pliers and wire cutters. So take it use the wire cutter. Snip the jump ring.

What is a good chain length for a man?

The Right Fit For Him



Most chain lengths chosen for men typically fall at the collar bone, which is usually around 20 inches in length. If the necklace includes a medallion, cross, or dog tag, a slightly longer length is suggested.

Does chain length affect torque?

Registered. Sprocket and gear size affect performance (speed/torque)… The length of the chain will only effect your wheel base

Does chain affect speed?

Does length of chain affect speed? Although the length of your bike chain does have an effect on your pedaling efficiency, it doesn’t affect how fast you can ride. This is because all that matters for speed are the number of gears available on your bike.

Can a jeweler make a chain shorter?

Shortening & Lengthening: Adjusting the length of your chain to fit your preferences isn’t too difficult for the average jeweler. For shortening a chain, the jeweler merely cuts the chain down to the requested length, reattaches the end portion (either the jump ring or the clasp) and solders everything shut.

What happens if bicycle chain too long?

A chain that’s too long (loose) may cause dropped chains and/or inconsistent shifting — front and back shifting. A chain that’s too short (tight) can cause even bigger problems.

Can you add length to a rope chain?

If you have a chain that you love that could do with being a little longer, the answer is to buy an extension or extender chain. This is a short length of chain, often between 4cm and 8cm, which can be attached to any existing chain via a jump ring. This then increases the overall measurement giving you more options.

Can I shorten my motorcycle chain?

Quote from video: They send you the wrong one there's a deal on one that's particularly long but it's the same chain. So you can chop it. Down all of these reasons can be why you end up having to do.

How do I make my bike chain shorter?

Quote from video: And drive those pins out allowing us to break our chain or reduce it by a number of set links now the reason you might want to do that is if you're fitting a new chain to your bike for example.

Does every motorcycle chain have a master link?

Not all bikes have these links. They are most likely to be found on BMX bikes, single speed bikes or three-speed town bikes with internal gears. The more sprockets a bicycle has on its rear cassette, the narrower the chain must be and therefore the less room there is for this extra-wide master link.