Chain tension and tensioning a chain

Sorry if I'm repeating something that's been discussed on other threads, but I'm having a right mare getting my chain tension right. There seems to be next to nothing between too tight (so that it 'chugs' and trembles at low speeds), and too slack that I just can't get the instant reaction. I've seen a lot worse though and always wonder how people cope having it sagging like that.

I'll be at the Trixie Dix thing tonight if anybody fancies having a look in person.

What drop outs do you have?

I've just put a chain tug on cos I got fed up with tightening it every coupla weeks. Check that tension - loverly:

I have a spare if you're interested...

I've got horizontal dropouts as it's an old 5 speed road bike conversion. Thanks for the offer, but I don't think that would work on mine.

You're right though. Loverly tension.

Hehe...how sad am I ;-)

very :p

I found a device that helps me get a decent tension on my bridgestone. I can't find tugs to fit my frame (see other posts) so have to do without.

Anyway, I have some of those rubber door stops in my flat to keep the doors open, they are also very good to push between the frame and tire - pushing the wheel back, and you can then choose how much tension you want. seems to work for me.

I don't want to start a new thread...

Any pointers on how to centre a chainring on a set of cranks. I have done the sheldon brown method but it had little effect. There is quite a difference between tight and slack (chain) on my bike at the moment.

Is it likely the cranks are bent? The chainring is a TA Alize brought as new.

I don't want to start a new thread...

Any pointers on how to centre a chainring on a set of cranks. I have done the sheldon brown method but it had little effect. There is quite a difference between tight and slack (chain) on my bike at the moment.

Is it likely the cranks are bent? The chainring is a TA Alize brought as new.

it is unlikely that the cranks are bent, but if they are it should be easy to see.
If you spin them they should wobble.

I havent seen the Sheldon menthod of chainring fitting. But Id just say use common sense, leave the bolts half tight and give it a few spins with a snug chain on, it should centre itself, then tighten up at opposite corners.

You should even have to do this if you have a modern/decent pair of cranks, as the chainrings fit very accurateley anyway.

it is unlikely that the cranks are bent, but if they are it should be easy to see.
If you spin them they should wobble.

I havent seen the Sheldon menthod of chainring fitting. But Id just say use common sense, leave the bolts half tight and give it a few spins with a snug chain on, it should centre itself, then tighten up at opposite corners.

You should even have to do this if you have a modern/decent pair of cranks, as the chainrings fit very accurateley anyway.

Too right man, I've done all these things multiple times! But I can't see anything obvious... I don't want to cunt 150 on Suginos and a ring if it isn't going to remedy anything.

Edit, Sheldon method is as you stated.

I got taught a method by an old bloke who's been riding fixed since gad was a lad, he said to loosen both side of the hub, pull the chain side back as far as you hand can stand and tighten the nut on that side, this will have pulled your wheel out of line. Then pulling the wheel into line will add a little more tension to the chain. Just the right amount so far as i can see. Hope this helps. If anyone has any reasons this will kill my bike, please tell me before it does.

My 2p: if you've got tight geometry, you can wedge anything between seat-tube and wheel to get tension in the chain. However, it will slip especially if you skid stop. Get a chain tug and you don't have to retension every couple of weeks.

yup, chain tugs make it much easier and better

Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!

Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!
Clearly you're not skidding with enough committment ;-)

Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!

+1

reported just in case you say something later report worthy

Skidding's for wankers

+1
So you don't want that MKS chain tug off me, eh?

@ Skully: yer mum! (and stuff).

My mums skids are a wankers wet dream

report THAT ray

ooo angry skully... and reported.

ooo angry skully...

yeah... and I know why.
let it go Skully...let it go

See this post I did a while ago. If you can understand the garbage I wrote its something to use in conjunction with the sheldon method.

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread4742.html?highlight=chainring+centre+sheldon#post143107

Chain tension is overrated.

Slack is the new black.

I've got a fancy drivetrain that can cope with a chain that's "toight like a toiger" but track slack is where it's at.

I must be right up with the kids. My chains as slack as a ....(insert slack thing here)....

I screwed a perfectly decent shiny new chain recently by persistently overtightening. It made some horrible scary noises on its way out that I don't want to hear again soon.