I installed a new chain and messed up. First of all, I put it the wrong way around the derailleur. Second, I guess it is too short. It is not possible for me to switch to the last, biggest gear. The derailleur and the gear are really close together.
However, I watched a YT video on how to adapt the length of the chain and according to this, I should have shortened it to the right length. So my question is: could putting it the right way around the derailleur already solve the problem or do I need to add the chain links again?
Since I have just one pin left, I have one try only. I don't want to make the chain longer, mount it again etc. and realize then, that it is too long …
by KalleKugelblitz
5 Comments
I’m sorry to say that but you can’t add the links back without damaging your chain
Running the chain through properly will help.
You did the common mistake where you put the chain over the tab in the derailleur hanger and not under it. This effectively shortens your chain. Route it correctly and see if it helps.
For the future, if you’re replacing a chain it’s very easy to get the correct number of links on the new one by just laying the two chains out on the floor next to each other.
That long derailleur cage is meant to accommodate large cogs in the back and big differences between the smallest and largest cog. As long as you have some “play” in the RD tension spring when it is in the largest cog, you are good to go. Routing the chain properly through the RD will help a bit, so try that first. You could add a link back in by using your quicklink to attach the piece of chain you cut off, and then cutting the end of the longest section of chain to the proper length and using another quicklink to close the chain once on the bike. Not ideal, but workable. The cost of quicklinks is not all that far off the cost of a new chain, so I would also consider buying a new chain and cutting it correctly.