Chain Length + Cassette Changes

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Chain Length + Cassette Changes Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2012-06-08 11:14 AM

User image

Subject: Chain Length + Cassette Changes

Morning, 

My tri bike is currently running a 39/53T up front and an 105 11-25 cassette (it might actually be 12-25, I forget which cassette is on my trainer wheel vs. 'outdoor wheel'), and given my current bike fitness, I'm thinking I want to switch up the cassette to a 11-28 for the Mont-Tremblant HIM course.  It's also my first HIM.  I tend to prefer spinning over mashing on the climbs, and I've noticed during training and current bike fitness that my cadence is lower than I'd like on the steeper inclines in the 39-11 combo especially compared to my roadie.

My question is, does anyone have experience with using the same chain at a length that can deal with both an 11-25 and 11-28 cassette interchangeably.  I could get a second chain and just switch both out, but I'd rather not if it's possible.  I lack the experience and was hoping someone could comment on this.

2012-06-08 11:29 AM
in reply to: #4251856

User image

Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes
I switch between an 11-28 and a 12-25 frequently and I've used both cassettes on different bikes, one with a 39/52 and another with a 34/50 compact crank. I've never swapped my chain, but I have to adjust my derailleur.
2012-06-08 12:37 PM
in reply to: #4251856

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes
It depends on how the chain was sized to the original cassette.  You may or may not need a longer one for the 28. But you can size it so you don't need to switch when swapping between the cassettes. I go between 11-23 and 11-28 and do just fine. I told the shop I wanted this range when they were putting the bike together. The trainer wheel is actually an 11-21, but I haven't tried that one outside yet.
2012-06-08 12:41 PM
in reply to: #4251856

User image

Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes
Ah ok that works, just wanted to be sure it was possible.  I suspect it's a matter of adjusting the B-tension screw on my rear derailleur when switching cassettes, provided the chain is appropriate length to accommodate both.  Thanks for the input!
2012-06-08 12:52 PM
in reply to: #4252029

Master
10208
50005000100100
Northern IL
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes
Make sure to take a look for limitations of gear combinations you may have. I can't use the 54 with the 28 or it could wreck the derailuer (pulling too far), but I don't go down past the 22 when in the big ring anyway.
2012-06-08 1:28 PM
in reply to: #4251856

User image

Pro
5361
50001001001002525
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes

I swap between my 12-25 and my 11-28 with no changes.

depends on

1.  the chain consuption capacity of your rear deraileur

and

2.  if the current length of your chain is right.

 

but you should have no problem.

2012-06-08 2:00 PM
in reply to: #4251856

User image

Champion
6786
50001000500100100252525
Two seat rocket plane
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes
If you have enough chain to wrap a 53-28, then the RD will take up the slack for the smaller cassette. If you're going from a 25 max to a 28 max, you might want to add a link. 
2012-06-08 2:28 PM
in reply to: #4252182

User image

Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes

ride_like_u_stole_it - 2012-06-08 3:00 PM If you have enough chain to wrap a 53-28, then the RD will take up the slack for the smaller cassette. If you're going from a 25 max to a 28 max, you might want to add a link. 

Yea it's from a 25 to a 28, so this likely will be the case.

2012-06-09 1:12 AM
in reply to: #4251856

User image

Regular
98
252525
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes

Remove a pin on the chain and add a Powerlink, that'll add one extra and make removal easy:

 



Edited by drgary 2012-06-09 1:12 AM
2012-06-09 5:11 AM
in reply to: #4252831

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Chain Length + Cassette Changes
drgary - 2012-06-09 2:12 AM

Remove a pin on the chain and add a Powerlink, that'll add one extra and make removal easy:



Actually, not really... since you're replacing a link with the Powerlink... you need to connect it to the narrow connections in the chain, hence remove an outside plate link. The chain length will be exactly the same.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Chain Length + Cassette Changes Rss Feed