Chain Chain Chain

[Ross]

Hey,

Just out of curiosity, ive done about 62k on the clock, but my chain seems to sag, bout half to a 3/4 inch drop in the middle, do i need to readjust it, i checked out a manual but can seem to find anywhere in there that says about chain tension.

Anyone?

[T1z3R]

recommended free play is 20mm - 30mm.

[Ross]

recommended free play is 20mm - 30mm.

thanks! about and inch then cheers!

[kman]

I believe it is one inch from pulling it down in the middle to pushing it up in the middle.  If it seems to be sagging it is probably loose, but push up on it and see how far it moves.  Wouldn't hurt to have a look at the sprockets whenever you see a change in the chain and make sure the teeth look symmetrical.

[twocool]

Check chain when bike is on SIDE STAND......not center stand, not jacked up.........it needs some load on the rear wheel, otherwise it will be adjusted too tight!


Cookie

[royced57]

And be sure to rotate the rear wheel to make sure that the chain length is consistent.

I just went through this drill and discovered that there was a huge difference in the length of different sections of the chain.  Getting it replaced now and new sprockets.

Royce

[Twism86]

Check chain when bike is on SIDE STAND......not center stand, not jacked up.........it needs some load on the rear wheel, otherwise it will be adjusted too tight!


Cookie

Hmm I did mine on the stand. I guess i will re-check later..... Does everyone agree with this?

[romulux]

Check chain when bike is on SIDE STAND......not center stand, not jacked up.........it needs some load on the rear wheel, otherwise it will be adjusted too tight!


Cookie

Hmm I did mine on the stand. I guess i will re-check later..... Does everyone agree with this?

Yes, sidestand.  Even better is sidestand with a volunteer sitting on with their weight on it.

[JAY W]

Chain adjustment is as important as checking tyre pressures on the bike,i prob` check my chain more often.

[Twism86]

Looks like my chain is on the tight side since it was adjusted on the center stand..... It was probably good before i messed with it, thanks for the tips.

[kman]

a little loose is better than a little tight.  It can damage bearings at both ends if it is too tight

[Paulcet]

Yes, sidestand.  Even better is sidestand with a volunteer sitting on with their weight on it.

Doing it with someone sitting on it will result in a loose chain.

[epoxy.guy]

I notice the slack will vary between 20mm to 30mm between spins (1/4 of chain).   Does that mean I have a tightspot?  I usually go to the looses point before I tighten the chain and spin a few times to check the slack at various points.   Mind you, the least is 20mm at any given point.     

When I first was checking my chain last year, I would only check it at one point figuring that's all that was required.   After taking a mechanics course they suggested checking the chain at various points.   Think of your chain like a clock... check the tension at 12, 3, 6 and 9.
Also, you want to check in the middle (half way) between the two sprockets with the bike on the centre stand and gear in neutral.