Chain tension too tight or too loose

[darkember]

Yesterday on the ride out in Wales there was a debate on chain tension one bike showing way too tight and mine supposedly too loose. Well I checked mine this morning after that rather aggressive ride yesterday and some 430 miles later. It was checked at the centre just by the front of the back tyre and done at 5 different points. My tightest point was 36mm and loosest was 42mm. Yes this means I am 2mm loose at the slackest point and that is after 5000 miles without have done any adjustments. I put it down to good chain management in cleaning and lubing. In my view that chain on the silver storm is far too tight.

[thunderbolt]

And will wear out far more quickly too.

[VTRDark]

I had to work out whether you was talking about cam or drive chain tension for a minute then. I tighten mine so the slackest point is just above where the exhaust runs. I would rather have it slightly on the slack side than tight. What I have noticed is that my chain wears quite quick and needs regular adjustment. But to be fair my chain maintenance is shite, I've decided to finally get a scottoiler now.

(:-})

[Watty]

I'm with Carl on this and also run mine just above left link at its slackest spot!

[sirch345]

I'm the same, always run the final drive chain on the slack side. When I get my bike mot'd the tester nearly always says the chain needs adjusting, as it's almost touching the link pipe. Also you have to remember the chain tightens up once you sit on the bike. Unless it's my imagination, I find when the bike is being used the chain gets warm and tightens up somewhat. Check yours next time your going out, check the slack before you leave, then check it again immediately you get back, see if you notice any difference

Chris.

[kenmoore]

Just above the link pipe here as well.

Do you guys all have shock shims?

I found that with the shim the chain tension changed and I always prefer to run on the slack side and know that if it rests on the link pipe without me on the bike it's time to adjust.

[kev64]

Hello, silverstorm here, I will admit my chain was too tight, I slackened it back at Bala
Just rechecked it, its a bit loose now, maybe ill nip it up a bit hehe

[AMCQ46]

same as above, I run mine on the loose side so it is just missing the linkpipe

[sirch345]

Just above the link pipe here as well.

Do you guys all have shock shims?

I found that with the shim the chain tension changed and I always prefer to run on the slack side and know that if it rests on the link pipe without me on the bike it's time to adjust.

I was running a shock shim, now have an adjustable length shock, so no longer need a shim to keep the rear end raised. Raising the rear end will, as you mentioned change the amount of slack in the final drive chain, not by a huge amount, but is noticeable if you take note as you have.

Either way though, even if the rear end was at the standard height, I would still run the chain on the slack side,

Chris.