Bicycle Mechanics - Remounting a rear wheel and chain tension.

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ibcrewin
03-10-09, 09:47 AM
I got a flat in my rear wheel yesterday and proceeded to change it. This was the first time I took the rear wheel off on this bike so I was curious about remounting the wheel and getting the chaintension and wheel alignment just right. After reinstalling the wheel, I feel like the chain tension was just a little looser than before I took the wheel off. I feel like there must be an old mechanics trick to getting the rear wheel on and aligned just right the first time. Is there?

BTW, this is a single speed, freewheel bike with 700cx25 wheels.

AEO
03-10-09, 10:12 AM
horizontal dropouts I assume?

there's not much to it, just a bunch of eyeballing.

or you can resort to calliper measurements
jsharr
03-10-09, 10:48 AM
Tugg Nutt or other other over the axle chain tensioner will be a big aid if you have track ends.

http://www.surlybikes.com/parts/tuggnut_pop.html

tellyho
03-10-09, 10:48 AM
Yep, you want a little sag, maybe 1/4". Not really a trick, just practice.
waldowales
03-10-09, 11:03 AM
Be sure to turn the cranks and find the tightest spot. That is where you want to adjust the chain.
ibcrewin
03-10-09, 12:04 PM
Be sure to turn the cranks and find the tightest spot. That is where you want to adjust the chain.

oooh good one!