14/49

chose a 14/49 sprocket and chain set on ebay. the chain is said to have 114 links which is more than what is written in postings that detail the correct lengths for different sprocket set ups. i would like to be able to easily switch to 13 for more technical rides which unfortunately most are around me. Does anyone know if the chain will be too long for switching to 13 on the front?

The vast majority of my riding is steep, rocky dirt trails so I normally run 12/50.  I can switch to 13/50 for flatter trails.  My chain is 112 links.

Many of the folks here know a lot more about gearing than I do, so perhaps they can offer an opinion on whether a 114 link should be shortened for your application.

Dave

michiko wrote:

chose a 14/49 sprocket and chain set on ebay. the chain is said to have 114 links which is more than what is written in postings that detail the correct lengths for different sprocket set ups. i would like to be able to easily switch to 13 for more technical rides which unfortunately most are around me. Does anyone know if the chain will be too long for switching to 13 on the front?

With the 13T your wheelbase will increase 0.87" over stock
With the 14T your wheelbase will increase 0.72" over stock

I would shorten it up to 111 links.

With 13T 0.08" shorter than stock wheelbase
With 14T 0.22" shorter

Gearing Commander

erm.... I have 13/48 combo on my X and 112 links was perfect for putting the axle just a little short of being halfway in the adjustment window. Meaning the chain could stretch a fairly good bit and I could make up the slack.

So I wouldn't fret about 114 links until you actually put everything on the bike and make some measurements.

Cutting off a link or two isn't difficult. If you don't have a dremel tool I'm sure a friend does.

Too long a chain is a far better situation to be in than too short. IMHO

motokid wrote:

Too long a chain is a far better situation to be in than too short.  IMHO

Ideally, you want to be as close to the stock distance between the center of the sprockets as possible.

Increasing the distance slows steering from stock (but benefits high speed stability), while shortening the distance will quicken turning (but decrease high speed stability.

TKO wrote:

Ideally, you want to be as close to the stock distance between the center of the sprockets as possible.

Increasing the distance slows steering from stock (but benefits high speed stability), while shortening the distance will quicken turning (but decrease high speed stability.

What I meant was, I'd rather cut a link or two off than be a link or two too short.

great advise but still leaves be with the same dilemma. given the advise ill see how it looks and then probably cut one link off at a time. ps how do you cut the links off. it only comes with one clip.

I have one of the Motion Pro chain breakers.  I just push a pin out and remove the link.  Without the chain tool, you may need to cut with a Dremel or some other cutting tool, as mentioned above. Perhaps someone who does it that way can explain better than I.

Dave

114 links will work fine but 112 links will work too.

I ran 13-50 with a 114 lnk chain, which I shortened to 112 after a while.

I prefer to keep the wheel as far forward as possible after trying it pulled way back and all the way to the front, it makes it easier to wheelie.

To shorten chains I grind the ends off the pins and into the side plate a touch with a 4 inch angle grinder then pry the side plate off with a screw driver, its very easy.
I have a dremel but the grinder is way better for this job.