I can’t see anything you’d change with the chain routing. Maybe you need a bigger chain due to a combo of long chainstays and chainring size or something. They’re not standard
Traditional_Bit7262 on
What does it look like with the chain on the big cog? This picture doesn’t show much of anything.
kennypepperbottom on
Might need the 120 link chain. I think there’s a 126 in one of the flat top models as well if you think 120 wouldn’t be enough.
mrmcderm on
Picture is a little grainy so it’s hard to tell exactly what is going on with the chain routing but it looks correct.
When I size chains I usually don’t focus on literal link count, but rather focus on sizing the chain per the drivetrain manufacturers instructions.
Today you learned 114 links is standard for roadbikes, thanks for the reminder
Same-Alfalfa-18 on
looks fine to me, but the chain is too short. it seems the bike has a bit longer chain stay. I try to avoid 114 link chains, found that on hard way. Just sell the chain and get a new one.
Attermann on
Is that a flat top chain? What number of cogs is your setup?
doncrescas on
There’s no standard for chain length. You need a longer chain.
Euphoric_Raccoon270 on
If you have another chain around or on another bike, just pop off a few links and add it to that chain
blaubarschboy on
The Apex chain is also available with 120 links
My GFs bike needs 117 on her bike (SRAM Apex)
[deleted] on
[removed]
onjefferis on
You need to link two chains together.
apheresario1935 on
Been a bike mechanic for over 50 years . Skip the stupid questions and bullshit answers.
you didn’t get the right length chain so
buy another one for the extra length or find the same brand links to add. Skip the big cog rear test too.
Just put enough chain on so there is tension on it in high gear . Tension from The TENSION PULLEY. NO SAGGING . There you’re done . Lesson learned.
If you don’t know WTF you’re doing don’t do it. A good mechanic puts a chain on the correct length in a minute.
But DIY people who dont know what they’re doing take for fucking ever to do it wrong and correct their BS . And waste a good mechanics time Mistakes at that level are the kind that waste the most time and money.
chinesegrumpagain on
You’re not stupid but just learning. Like anything new you’re going to make mistakes along the way to getting better. Now you know
Longjumping_Bag5914 on
My wife’s 9 speed has a dinner plate on the back and a long cage Microshift derailleur. A standard length chain is not long enough for her bike. We ended up getting a KMC E9 for her bike and I knocked some links out of it to match the original length. Looks like you may be on the same situation.
PerpetualColdBrew on
I remember for my surly LHT that thing uses nearly the entire 126L package… so… you probably need more links. Surly trucker chain stays are looooong
17 Comments
I can’t see anything you’d change with the chain routing. Maybe you need a bigger chain due to a combo of long chainstays and chainring size or something. They’re not standard
What does it look like with the chain on the big cog? This picture doesn’t show much of anything.
Might need the 120 link chain. I think there’s a 126 in one of the flat top models as well if you think 120 wouldn’t be enough.
Picture is a little grainy so it’s hard to tell exactly what is going on with the chain routing but it looks correct.
When I size chains I usually don’t focus on literal link count, but rather focus on sizing the chain per the drivetrain manufacturers instructions.
Looks like you have a mechanical SRAM Apex XPLR on a hardtail, check out [SRAM’s docs page](https://docs.sram.com/en-US/publications/4gsOpdRplQ2hgBTBZzgJRT/UM%20-%20Apex%201×12?models=rd-apx-1-d1#hashItem=apex-1×12) for that derailleur and it should walk you through chain sizing.
You have a:
Big chainring (for a 1X)
Big cassette
Frame with long chainstays.
How many links does a [chain length calculator](https://www.omnicalculator.com/sports/chain-length) say you need?
Today you learned 114 links is standard for roadbikes, thanks for the reminder
looks fine to me, but the chain is too short. it seems the bike has a bit longer chain stay. I try to avoid 114 link chains, found that on hard way. Just sell the chain and get a new one.
Is that a flat top chain? What number of cogs is your setup?
There’s no standard for chain length. You need a longer chain.
If you have another chain around or on another bike, just pop off a few links and add it to that chain
The Apex chain is also available with 120 links
My GFs bike needs 117 on her bike (SRAM Apex)
[removed]
You need to link two chains together.
Been a bike mechanic for over 50 years . Skip the stupid questions and bullshit answers.
you didn’t get the right length chain so
buy another one for the extra length or find the same brand links to add. Skip the big cog rear test too.
Just put enough chain on so there is tension on it in high gear . Tension from The TENSION PULLEY. NO SAGGING . There you’re done . Lesson learned.
If you don’t know WTF you’re doing don’t do it. A good mechanic puts a chain on the correct length in a minute.
But DIY people who dont know what they’re doing take for fucking ever to do it wrong and correct their BS . And waste a good mechanics time Mistakes at that level are the kind that waste the most time and money.
You’re not stupid but just learning. Like anything new you’re going to make mistakes along the way to getting better. Now you know
My wife’s 9 speed has a dinner plate on the back and a long cage Microshift derailleur. A standard length chain is not long enough for her bike. We ended up getting a KMC E9 for her bike and I knocked some links out of it to match the original length. Looks like you may be on the same situation.
I remember for my surly LHT that thing uses nearly the entire 126L package… so… you probably need more links. Surly trucker chain stays are looooong