Chain length...standard chainset v compact

letape

Would I need a longer chain if I swap a standard chainset (53/39) for a compact one (50/34) ie would that level of difference require a longer chain?

I know there were some people on here recently changing between compact and standard and I'd appreciate having their experience.

Thanks!

AstraMonti

It will probably work fine with the same length, but ideally you are talking about removing either one or two links. I remember reading that 1 tooth equals half a link. You definetely don't need more length going from double to compact.

TheBlaaMan

letape wrote: »

Would I need a longer chain if I swap a standard chainset (53/39) for a compact one (50/34) ie would that level of difference require a longer chain?

I know there were some people on here recently changing between compact and standard and I'd appreciate having their experience.

Thanks!

I did this recently (double to compact conversion) and had to remove a link and raise the FD

Lumen

I flip between standard and compact regularly and don't bother to change the chain length or FD position.

Obviously if your chain is the wrong length already you might make it worse.

letape

Thanks for the quick replies

Lumen wrote: »

I flip between standard and compact regularly and don't bother to change the chain length or FD position.

Obviously if your chain is the wrong length already you might make it worse.

Lumen - this is what I am looking to do; flip between my compact (which is currently on the bike) and a standard. I'm just hoping I can avoid having to have two seperate chains..

Lumen

letape wrote: »

this is what I am looking to do; flip between my compact (which is currently on the bike) and a standard. I'm just hoping I can avoid having to have two seperate chains..

If you use the calculators you'll see that cassette choices also make a difference to theoretical chain length. Do people fret over chain length when they change cassette? I don't.

If you're going to be swapping chains then get some Wipperman ones with the Connex links. They're very easy to use without tools.

letape

Thanks Lumen - good point regarding changing cassettes. I do it all the time and have never had an issue with chain length, even when moving from a 23T to a 27T largest rear sprocket.

I'm using KMC 11 speed quick-links, with the very useful removable pliers. Aparently they are non-reusable, but we will see if they are or not!!

greenmat

Am going to change from a Compact to a Standard Double and have 2 wheels with different cassettes, 11-23 and 12-27. Whats been said previous would suggest the same chain will do when either cassette is in use. 2 questions,
1. Whats the recognised way to measure the new chain lenght.
2. Which cassette size should I measure from, 11-23 or 12-27?

Sorry for asking another question on your thread, hope it's OK.