Chain too short to align back wheel?

[t3rmin]

OK, mad Idea.....

Did the PO have a front sprocket with 1 or 2 extra teeth put on the bike?

If it' all standard with correct sized sprockets and chain links it should all go together and line up. (Yeah, I know stating the bl**dy obvious.)

The front sprocket was already a 15. And now that I've installed a 45 in the back I'm definitely stock.

[t3rmin]

I had the same problem with my 82 650 E. I got the rear wheel as strait as I could, then took if for a quick spin. Then I was able to get the wheel strait. I also thought that the new chain would be too small, but if you go with to many links then you’re stuck with trying to cut some links off after the chain stretches. And that’s no fun without power tools.

I tried that too. I've actually put way more miles than I should have on that crooked back wheel. Hasn't loosened a bit.

[t3rmin]

Going down 2 teeth on a sprocket will only reduce the chain length 1 link, not 2 - only roughly half of the sprocket is in contact with the chain at any one time.

Now that makes sense. Doh.

So can you put two masterlinks on a chain? I'd be fairly nervous about that anyway I guess. I wonder if a bike shop could rivet another link on there for me?

[Billyboy]

Now that makes sense. Doh.

So can you put two masterlinks on a chain? I'd be fairly nervous about that anyway I guess. I wonder if a bike shop could rivet another link on there for me?

As I said above, I did that. I check them often.

[t3rmin]

Embarrassing update: axle was just binding in the slot a bit. Had another go at it -- loosened the nut, swung the tensioners down, reefed on the wheel and, sure enough, there was plenty of adjustment room just waiting to be used. Wheel aligned perfectly now. Sorry to waste a thread!

[Billyboy]

Not a problem brutha!

Glad it worked out.