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mpok3 · Member

Add 2 links?

TT-R250M · Super Guru

mpok3 wrote:
Another sprocket/chain question but I'm not asking for gearing combos so hopefully it's an easy one

I've just recently put a Pirelli MT43 on the rear but it's really close to the swingarm (so close I've had to remove the mudguard as it was rubbing on it; when the bike was still it had about 2-3mm clearance) - fortunately I'm just commuting for the next couple of weeks, instead of going on the trails.

I don't know exactly what combo I'm running as I've only just bought the bike, but I think it's 14/47; not sure about amount of links in the chain either.

Now obviously the tyre will wear down after a while, but probably not soon enough before I'd like to go off tarmac. The chain is tightened as much as is safe.

Is it possible to just add 2 links? If so, would they need to be specific? Is it difficult to do, other than having a chain breaker handy?

Or would the best thing just be to cut my losses and get the next chain size up?

You failed to specify a tire size that i can be sure of (for others it is here i think ) but....

Given that you have only 2-3mm tire clearance you should be able add two links with no drama. Especially if your snail adjuster settings sit from 1-7.

I don't use a chain breaker. I do things the hard way but easy for me. I grind a link out (which leaves you a link less) then add a piece of chain to it,keeping in mind that I need one extra for the one I took out.

If your chain has a split link your in luck because you can just use one extra split link which should give you the tire clearance that you need. But if you like to have HEAPS of tire clearance like me for offroad riding in mud, you may still need two extra links which would put your snail adjusters to settings 7-13...

Maybe Brindabella will try to prove me wrong on this one but I don't think so.