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I’ve just tried to fit a new chain to my old Kona Process that’s got a new cassette and chain ring fitted. The issue have is that I’ve cut it too short and the rear derailleur nearly runs parallel with the chain.
Instead of buying another new chain, can I add another length of chain with another master link ? Or would it be too weak as i have to add the new master link within a few links of the other master link.
We have done it when swapping from a medium to large bike and needed the extra length with a SRAM X01 eagle chain. Worked fine
within a few links of the other master link.
would be fine, I used to run a chain as you describe so I could swap chainrings for terrain, however I didn't have a chain with a single link and then add a bit more in as that would put the two powerlinks basically next to each other; I had a chain with a 5 pair and a 6 pair insert so the links weren't next to each other. I'll bet that you only need another pair of links (chain 1" longer); any more and it'll be too loose and I wouldn't personally go
<-chain-powerlink-inner-powerlink-chain->
mine was
<-chain-powerlink-[5 or 6 pair insert to suit]-powerlink-chain->
Thanks both, is there minimum amount of links before a new master link is used?
a chain with a single link and then add a bit more in as that would put the two powerlinks basically next to each other
That's what I had for a while on one bike - no issues that I can recall. That drive train has now moved to a different bike that fortunately needed the shorter length.
Make sure you've checked the length through all the suspension travel...if the chain grows it may end up ripping the mech off.
Thanks both, is there minimum amount of links before a new master link is used?
Not AFAIK, my rationale was that they aren't ramped and shaped for shifting and if I did a hamshift then better to avoid chance of it being on two of them. As others report, and that vid suggests, that isn't an issue (vid doesn't really test it in the depths of a Surrey Hills grindfest though, so I'm still not convinced)
When I changed bike to one that had a longer chainstay (not long after putting on a new XX1 chain) I just added a few links in with another power link. Didn’t give me any issues at all.