How tight should the chain be??

[AnthonyX99]

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]

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]

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]

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.