[bt]

adjusted my EBB and the chain is pretty tight. it will raise up and down a bit but is it maybe too tight?

 

[paco664]

how much is "a bit"???

 

[bt]

I backed it down a touch, feels better now. I think it was too tight. I can put a little pressure on the top of the chain and it goes down about 1/2". If I really pushed hard I might be able to make the chain touch the chain stay.

 

[thatdirtykid]

probably too loose now. I aim for 1/4" to 1/2" inch deflection.

 

[bt]

cool

 

[Mike A.]

find the loose spot and aim for 1/4"

 

[Sparticus]

If it's tight, it's too tight.

--sParty

 

[paco664]

If it's tight, it's too tight.

--sParty

thats what she said....

 

[umarth]

If it is tight, you get a better workout. Then the chain stretches out and you end up as fast as a flying ****.

 

[jonw9]

find the loose spot and aim for 1/4"

Is that +/- 1/4" (1/2" full range) or 1/4" total, up and down?

I ask because I had a chain too tight last season and snapped it in 2, and other times I feel some "popping". It is pretty tough to get things "perfect".

 

[Firemedix911]

If it is a new chain I set it tight. The chain will stretch and the be ideal. If it is a chain I've used for a while u should get the tool and check it every now and them so that it doesn't brake on you again and you cam swap it in time.

 

[bad mechanic]

If it is a new chain I set it tight. The chain will stretch and the be ideal. If it is a chain I've used for a while u should get the tool and check it every now and them so that it doesn't brake on you again and you cam swap it in time.

Why would you want to make the chain wear quicker?

Set the correct tension from the very beginning. I try and set 1/2" of total deflection (total up and down). I recently found out Cannondale recommends the same. A little looser is preferable to a little tighter, as tighter wears out equipment faster.

 

[Surfdog93]

Why would you want to make the chain wear quicker?

Set the correct tension from the very beginning. I try and set 1/2" of total deflection (total up and down). I recently found out Cannondale recommends the same. A little looser is preferable to a little tighter, as tighter wears out equipment faster.

BM, when you say 1/2" deflection, is this the amount of "normal" sag 1/2 way between chain ring and cog, or are you applying some pressure and pressing down on the chain ?

 

[bad mechanic]

I only press on the chain lightly, to take the slack out.

 

[Firemedix911]

I didn't say it's the right thing to do, neither I said I make so tight that it makes noise. Just tight enough to allow for stretching and not having to mess with chain tension all the time. It works just fine for me. No issues here. Chains brake Bc people don't check it enough not Bc it is too tight.