Triumphrat

05-19-2004

hey out there, ive never owned a chain driven bike and the shop manual is kinda vague..is the 25 mm of vertical travel supposed to be like slack, barely touch it sort of play or is it tense, grab it with thumb and index and wiggle it sort of play?
well said, eh?

Slinky · 05-20-2004

You need to put some effort into it, stretch it all the way up and all the way down and measure the difference.

You should ideally get someone to sit on the bike when you check the slack, it changes depending on the load on the suspension.

Will · 05-20-2004

The main thing, in my opinion, is to make sure that you don't overtighten and make sure you keep it properly aligned. That is far more common in my experience than too much slack. It is more of an eyeball and feel thing that any real measurement. Obviously, you don't want your chain jumping the sprockets, but you do want a little slack so it can flex with the suspension. You also don't want it putting excess torque on your countersprocket shaft.

I don't do all that much chain maintenance, and I still get nearly 20K miles out of a chain. Alignment, a bit of slack, and at least semi-regular lubrication is the key.

OK, that is my opinion. Chain maintenance is one of those food fight subjects that have no real answer, so let the pie tossing begin! :razz:

Hinckley · 05-21-2004

Alright, STOP!!! :-/

There's no food aloud in the shop.

:-D

shedds · 05-21-2004

NO FOOD!! WHAT KIND OF SHOP IT THIS ???

jimballard · 05-21-2004

Hmmm..it sounds like that's food for thought!

Sorry I couldn't help myself: Jim

Will · 05-21-2004

Only beer allowed in my shop. 'Specially if somebody else brings it! :wink:

Hinckley · 05-21-2004

Did somebody say beer?!!!

:-g