Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Install Chain
#1
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?
  Reply
#2
For single speed setups the chain should be tight, but with a just a tiny bit of slack.
  Reply
#3
(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?
  Reply
#4
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.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
braking by reversing the pedals
Yesterday 07:04 PM
Post-Ride Nutrition
Yesterday 02:06 AM
🚴‍♂️ Saddle Up for the Belgian Waffle Ri...
Yesterday 02:03 AM
Pre Ride Food Intake
Yesterday 12:14 AM
SAVA Explorer 6061?
04-02-2025 03:31 PM
Zwift v Spin v Wahoo
04-01-2025 05:59 PM
Have you Ever Tried an Electric Bike?
04-01-2025 05:07 PM
Good Morning from SW Ohio
04-01-2025 07:32 AM
(So California) PV Dr to be closed to bi...
03-31-2025 09:14 PM
Tubeless vs. tubes: What are the pros an...
03-31-2025 08:28 AM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
22 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
18 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
12 posts
no avatar 4. Jake1
11 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
8 posts