|   chain tension | O.L.
Sep 12, 2002 6:58 PM | | I'm converting my Ibis Mojo (standard dropouts) to SS and I'm not exactly sure what chain tension I should be trying for. Do I want a little bounce in the chain, should it be prefectly straight, or should I just use a chain tensioner? Thanks |
| re: chain tension | crazy mike
Sep 12, 2002 10:07 PM | | You're chain should be "snug", not "tight". A tight chain creates resistance that you have to pedal against for the whole ride. A loose chain is bad for obvious reasons so you'll need experiment to find that perfect balance between cain tension and gear ratios.
If you're starting off with a brand new chain I think its ok to err on the tight side. A couple of hard rides should "break in" the chain and you'll quickly achieve a balanced drivetrain. Keep in mind that most chainrings and cogs are not perfectly round so any gear combination will have a "tight spot". That's where I apply the term "snug" when adjusting chain tension and as long as the other side of the rotation isn't loose enough to drop the chain, your chain tension should be safe AND efficient.
Hopefully this will keep you from having to use a chain tensioner.
crazymike |
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