116 vs 118 link chain

[Latitude]

Today I started to replace the 9 speed chain on my Verve + 3 with a new Shimano chain (the system is Alivio). Having removed the worn chain and matched the new one (116 links) next to the factory original, it came up 2 links short... the original was 118. I called my Trek store to ask about it, and their tech guy advised they do that all the time, so I went ahead and installed the shorter chain/recalibrated the derailliers. Seems to be working fine although I found it a bit tricky to tune, but I am new to this. Any downside to this switch I should be aware of?

 

[Nova Haibike]

As long as the new shorter chain can still wrap around the large cog without pulling the derailleur cage too far forward there is no problem. I do not know what change you made to your derailleur; it should not be necessary to make any adjustment if only changing the chain. With the possible exception of the B tension screw, it should not require adjustment to either limit screw or the cable unless something was incorrect before you started.

 

[Latitude]

As long as the new shorter chain can still wrap around the large cog without pulling the derailleur cage too far forward there is no problem. I do not know what change you made to your derailleur; it should not be necessary to make any adjustment if only changing the chain. With the possible exception of the B tension screw, it should not require adjustment to either limit screw or the cable unless something was incorrect before you started.

Some skipping on the high gear was what caused me to check chain wear and decide to replace it. I struggled with the switch over, the first time I have done this on my bike, first time using a chain breaker tool, first time using quick links... a bit of a comedy of errors really. I undid the shifter tension wire in the process. So basically I was tuning from scratch, but seems to be working well now (not the first time I have adjusted the shifters since new). I will take note of your advice, thanks!