Chain length with standard and compact crankset

It would probably work without shortening or replacing your chain but depending on your rear derailleur it may cause issues. Best bet would be a new chain to go with your new crankset. Also, depending on how much descending you do while pedaling, you may want a cassette with an 11.

Shane

Thanks Shane. I currently have a 11-28T cassette installed and have SRAM front and rear derailleurs. The crankset I'm installing was hardly used (150miles or less).

I changed to a compact from a standard this year and did not have to modify the chain length.

As Shane said, you may want to put on a new chain.

As for the chain length, You can see how the chain fits by shifting to the largest cog in the back and the largest chainring. Now this is not how you ride, but it is the maximum chain length used, and the most distance the r.derailleur will be pulled forward. It should not be too forward as the chain will be too tight.

The second test is to shift to the smallest cog and smallest chainring, again not how you actually ride, but gives the minimum length chain, which the r.derailleur should not be hitting the hanger screw stop, with loose chain it will slap and potentially cause skipping.

Edited by metafizx 2015-08-12 2:42 PM

Thanks! I ordered some tools to do this swap properly and will post an update.