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I've got round to my Twenty/Shopper and besides replacing the tyre also went ahead and got a new KMC chain. Of course, the links were somewhat shorter, and so I couldn't cut it just right without having to adjust the rear wheel drop-out. In the end, this is what I got.

Is this drop-out position safe to ride? The nuts are secured to about 300 inch-pounds

UPD: I was just reminded KMC sells half-links, so might just get one and a missing link to lengthen the chain a bit. (now I just need to find a K710 missing link somewhere on this continent)

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  • Did you remove any links from the chain? Can you re-attach them ?
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Nov 5, 2016 at 11:38
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    You cut the chain too short.
    – Daniel R Hicks
    Commented Nov 5, 2016 at 11:46
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    yep, the chain was cut by 3 links. cutting by 2 left too much slack
    – 4004
    Commented Nov 5, 2016 at 11:57
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    @4004 simply use a chain tool to re-attach one of the links you removed. Sorry but "measure twice cut once" would have saved you. Don't stress - we've all been there sometime.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Nov 5, 2016 at 22:27
  • @Criggie yeah, I was hoping the dropout adjustment would save me, and not cutting the chain would give me too much slack. I am hesitant on readding the links (shroom pins), so will use a half-link
    – 4004
    Commented Nov 6, 2016 at 9:19

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I would not ride that bike, for brake reasons.

1) The rear rim brakes would be out of position. Hopefully you've re-adjusted the brake pads. However rim brakes would be safer than other brakes given that dropout.

2) If you have a coaster brake (ie a backpedal brake) then a hard stop could tear the axle out the front of the dropout, using the ground as a lever-fulcrum.

3) If you have a drum brake (which is possible given I can see a cable outer and the axle is hollow, perhaps its just not connected in the photos) then the same as for backpedal brakes.

Your safe answer is to simply buy and fit a longer chain. Yes its annoying.

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  • It a cantilever system, the pads are adjustable. Still, you are probably right
    – 4004
    Commented Nov 5, 2016 at 11:58

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