How tight should the chain be??

GoldenMotor.com

AnthonyX99

New Member
Oct 13, 2009
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Winnipeg
I was just wondering how tight the chain should be set. I always made it a tight as possible with the tensioner, because it would stretch anyways and be tight enough after. I found using the recommendations from the book had the chain to loose.
 

bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
6,537
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living the dream in southern california
mine's got about 1/2" to 3/4" of play.

when i put it together (using Manic Mechanic adaptor and aluminum sprocket) i get it as tight as possible, so there's no play at all. after a short ride, the teeth on the sprocket and the chain wear in so it loosens up a little.

i'm also not running a chain tensioner.
 

Venice Motor Bikes

Custom Builder / Dealer/Los Angeles
Mar 20, 2008
7,271
1,810
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Los Angeles, CA.
Most people say about 3/4" of play...
& always check by rotating the rear wheel just incase the sprocket is a little off center! (you don't want it too tight at it's tightest point) ;)
 

AnthonyX99

New Member
Oct 13, 2009
127
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0
Winnipeg
Well when I first build it and use a new chain I make as tight as possible and the chain just loosened enough to get that little slack I need, the sprocket was a mind bending pain in the ass to get straight lol.
 
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