Advice Requested On Bike Chain Tension

Snax · 2 Aug 2008 at 23:58

So, following my flat on wednesday, i took my wheel off for the first time today and got the puncture fixed.

The problem I have now is whether I put it on right... Hopefully, someone will be able to advise me whether I am about to blow up my bike!

When I took the wheel off, I took out the chain tensioners to give them a scrub.

On putting the wheel back on, I tighten the sprocket side tensioners until I have the correct freeplay in the chain.

I then go across to the other side. THis chain tensioner can be tightened much further though, effectively pulling the wheel at an angle.

I have ended up getting the free play I want and then mimicking the setting on the other side using the same marking. This feels quite loose on this side at this setting (any further though would pull the wheel out of alignment) Then I have tightened the axle nuts up.

Is this correct? I dont know how i can check I have perfect wheel alignment. This seems quite dodgy, no?

Rilot · 3 Aug 2008 at 00:16

Measure the distance between the wheel spindle and the end of the swing arm. It should be the same on both sides.
Simple.

Snax · 3 Aug 2008 at 10:11

Good logical answer!

But is it still OK that one side can be tightened much further than the other, hence creating a nasty angle of wheel!

jon.bda · 3 Aug 2008 at 10:21

Snax said:
Good logical answer!

But is it still OK that one side can be tightened much further than the other, hence creating a nasty angle of wheel!

It can be tightened much further as you only have the chain running on one side. As mentioned, adjust and check the tension, adjust the other side so the wheel is square in the swingarm, then check tension again. Make sure the spindle is tight and away you go...

Rilot · 3 Aug 2008 at 11:20

Don't ride with the wheel at an angle. If the spindle is square with the swingarm ends it should be straight.

Snax · 3 Aug 2008 at 13:56

jon.bda said:
It can be tightened much further as you only have the chain running on one side. As mentioned, adjust and check the tension, adjust the other side so the wheel is square in the swingarm, then check tension again. Make sure the spindle is tight and away you go...

that was what i was hoping someone would say.

thanks guys.