2 chains or 2 master links?

[finny47]

I changed my sprockets on the rear from 48 to 46 last year when I did Barber. I was surprised, but there was too much slack in the chain and had to remove links.

I'm assuming most people carry two chains for sprocket changes instead of re-using the same chain and having two master link on the same change.

Wanted to confirm this before I bought another chain.

 

[Cooly0]

I always do my chain with my sprocket changes

You should have a happy medium and take out one link so it can accomidate both sprockets being it's only two teeth, or just stay with 1 sprocket size. But I also do rivited, sounds like you are using clips, so I don't have much choice to change on the fly.

 

[Ryan711]

Uh, move your axle adjusters.

And don't be tightening that chain too much! It needs to have slack because it will tighten up when the rear suspension compresses.

 

[jaren warren]

Ryan711;128719 wrote: Uh, move your axle adjusters.

And don't be tightening that chain too much! It needs to have slack because it will tighten up when the rear suspension compresses.

a 2+ link difference is probably more than can be adjusted by the axle.

 

[finny47]

I was surprised, but going from +2 to stock is more than I could adjust. At Barber with -1/+2 I was hitting the rev limiter about 2-3 seconds before shutting down for the next corner. That is what prompted me to do a sprocket change. I might try changing the front from -1 to stock next time to see if that makes a difference. Wouldn't have to change chains either.

 

[Meat]

You can also just swap the front sprocket for one with one tooth less. Of course to the more skilled than me, it might mess up the suspension/drive characteristics because the line of pull (and associated anti-squat under throttle) is different for a 44 vs. 46 tooth.