Stoopid Question of the Day

[RhinofromWA]

I tried my SS conversion at 32/18 and it was geared to low for flat ground commuting. Chain length was good and short with very little slack.

I tried the 16t and figured I would be able to remove a set of links (2 teeth worth) and it would be the equivalent chain tension.

For the life of me I couldn't make the chain reach. :shocked:

Am I stoopid to think if I take two teeth off the back I could take 2 teeth worth of chain off?

I M Rhino frum Der Warshington:twitch: :D

[Rip]

You need a half link.

[iridebikes]

was it two links, as in two outer and two inner plates? or was it a single outer and inner plate? If you took out two links (2 inner and 2 outer) then it's about one link too short.

If that's not the case, post a picture(along with the removed links), I'm curious to see what happend.

[RhinofromWA]

was it two links, as in two outer and two inner plates? or was it a single outer and inner plate? If you took out two links (2 inner and 2 outer) then it's about one link too short.

If that's not the case, post a picture(along with the removed links), I'm curious to see what happend.One outer and one inner. So essentially 2 teeth worth right?

I figured two teeth smaller on the rear cog (18t to 16t) I could shorten the chain by two teeth (or one link ie. one inner and one outer link)

I know I am missing something. :disgust:

[RhinofromWA]

You need a half link.But I don't understand why....it makes no sense to me. :imstupid:

[BikeGeek]

I tried my SS conversion at 32/18 and it was geared to low for flat ground commuting. Chain length was good and short with very little slack.

I tried the 16t and figured I would be able to remove a set of links (2 teeth worth) and it would be the equivalent chain tension.

For the life of me I couldn't make the chain reach. :shocked:

Am I stoopid to think if I take two teeth off the back I could take 2 teeth worth of chain off?
From sheldonbrown.com:
Adding or subtracting a link in the chain will move the axle 1/2". Changing either sprocket size by one tooth is the equivalent of moving the axle 1/8"

Using that info, by dropping to a 16t, if you want to run the same chain length you need to move the axle back 1/4". Assuming you have vertical dropouts, you'll need to shorten the chain since you can't move the wheel back. By removing one link (1 set of inner plates and one set of outer plates) you're doing the equivalent of moving the wheel 1/2" which is 1/4" too much. So, by adding a half-link back in, you're eliminating the extra 1/4". Make sense?

[Rip]

From sheldonbrown.com:
Adding or subtracting a link in the chain will move the axle 1/2". Changing either sprocket size by one tooth is the equivalent of moving the axle 1/8"

Using that info, by dropping to a 16t, if you want to run the same chain length you need to move the axle back 1/4". Assuming you have vertical dropouts, you'll need to shorten the chain since you can't move the wheel back. By removing one link (1 set of inner plates and one set of outer plates) you're doing the equivalent of moving the wheel 1/2" which is 1/4" too much. So, by adding a half-link back in, you're eliminating the extra 1/4". Make sense?

I couldn't have explained it better.:clapping: