Chain fu: Not for you

Hi Lee,
I have a question about my chain. I’m wondering what the common practice is when you replace a chain? Mine seems a little too slack and jumps off of the front ring. how many if any links should I remove to prevent this from further re-occurences?
Thanks for your help, and I always enjoy all the great info you’ve been throwing out here.
Matt

From the SRAM X.0 manual.

Hi Matt.

Here are some useful chain facts.

Measuring a new chain

Here’s something SRAM and Shimano agree on. Before you cut a new chain, run it around your big ring and big cog, bypassing the rear derailleur. Add two links. That’s your ideal chain length. If you have rear suspension, measure for the longest length.

Matt, on your bike, the chain should just barely let you shift onto the big ring and big cog. If you have extra links, cut ’em out (If you run Shimano, use the magic pin). But I’ll bet that’s not the problem …

How to manage your chain

Rule 1: Keep it as straight as possible. No crossing from small to small or big to big.

Rule 2: Keep it as tight as possible. When you descend, use the big ring and a middle cog. (Matt)

Rule 3: If you’re really pinning it, you need some sort of chain guide.

When to replace the chain

Twenty-four new links measure exactly 12 inches from pin to pin. When they stretch to 12 1/16 inches, replace your chain. Check this pretty often, or else …

When to replace the chain and cogs

If 12 links measure 12 1/8 inch or longer, you blew it. Your teeth have worn to fit the old chain, and now you have to replace your cassette. Probably the rings too.

Too much power

I seldom wear out chains, because my awesome power just snaps them.

Which prominent racer said this in a video?

“With these flat starts, I go through three chains a night.”