Install Chain

Vincent123 · 12-28-2009, 12:35 AM

I just put a chain on a mountain bike. I was on a limited budget so I decided to not use the derailer. So it has only one gear now like a BMX bike. The chain/gears (?) was originally slipping. So I decided to just install a new chain and not use the gears. I have installed the chain. I have a question on the slack needed for the chain. It is very tight. Is that OK?

Alex Ramon · 12-28-2009, 02:07 AM

For single speed setups the chain should be tight, but with a just a tiny bit of slack.

Vincent123 · 12-28-2009, 02:33 AM

(12-28-2009, 02:07 AM)Alex Ramon Wrote: For single speed setups the chain should be tight, but with a just a tiny bit of slack.

The mountain bike is a 21 speed. I first tried to wrap the chain around the fourth cog and it was way too loose so I wrapped it around the fifth cog and it was way to tight (absolutely no slack). What do you suggest?

Alex Ramon · 12-28-2009, 03:39 AM

If that's the case, you'll need a single speed frame, which will have rear-facing dropouts so you can move the axle to adjust the chain tension.

Or you could try using a chain tensioner.

10 Latest Posts
Food after late training ride Yesterday 11:54 PM
Hot Weather Safety Yesterday 09:48 PM
Cassette shifting Problem Yesterday 06:16 PM
What are your best biking places in your... 06-24-2025 04:21 AM
find a cycling buddy? 06-24-2025 03:37 AM
Gandolfi "Super" model 1985-86 racing bi... 06-23-2025 10:55 PM
AI ACTION FIGURE! 06-23-2025 05:07 PM
First long distance ride.. 06-23-2025 06:30 AM
Post-Ride Nutrition 06-23-2025 01:44 AM
Hello everyone 06-22-2025 09:17 AM

Join BikeRide on Strava

Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom