Chain Tension on a singlespeed

kipper1972
kipper1972 Posts: 7
edited April 2010 in The workshop
I have a Langster and I'm giving it a service ready for the spring.

I have often taken the rear wheel off but don't know how you are meant to tension the chain for optimal wear.
Too tight i guess can make it wear too quickly, too loose can be damn dangerous.

Any ideas on best practice here?

Thanks

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    IIRC the ideal tension should be 1/2" of vertical movement of the chain midway between the chainring and sprocket.

    Have a look at Shedon's words on the matter.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • Craggers
    Craggers Posts: 185
    when you say 1/2"...do you mean that the chain should be able to move 1/4" up and 1/4" down form its rest position, or 1/2" either way??
    Fixed / Fast(ish) / Frankenbike
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Craggers wrote:
    when you say 1/2"...do you mean that the chain should be able to move 1/4" up and 1/4" down form its rest position, or 1/2" either way??

    1/2" total or 1/4" up & 1/4" down.

    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=27
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.

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