Chains
The bicycle chain transfers force
from the chainwheel to the rear sprocket. The diagram below shows that
for a counter-clockwise rotation of the chainwheel, the top of the chain connecting
to the rear sprocket is in tension and the lower section is slack.
The tooth
size on the two wheels is the same, and each link of the chain engages a different tooth. The gear ratio between the crankset and the rear sprocket is determined by the ratio of the number of teeth on the chainwheel, NC , and the number of teeth on the sprocket, NS, the number of links in the chain has no effect on this ratio. The length of the chain is determined by the
spacing between the chainwheel and the sprocket, as well as the nature of the gear system. A derailleur system requires a longer chain than an epicyclic hub.
From: Encyclopedia Britannica
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