Proper amount of slack in a chain?
08-16-10, 03:02 PM
#1
Kilo TT
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Proper amount of slack in a chain?
So I usually like my chain super tight, but lately have been realizing this might not be the best option. I noticed when I loosen it a bit though, there is play and I can feel it when I am trackstanding, and it kinda bothers me - almost as if there is a little bit of lag before the chain catches when I first start to pedal. You guys run your fixed gears with a bit of slack in the chain? Do you get used to the feeling of "play" in your chain?
08-16-10, 03:08 PM
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My fixed gear doesn't have much slack, but my SS has tons.
As for the trackstanding, yeah, you get used to it.
As for the trackstanding, yeah, you get used to it.
08-16-10, 03:13 PM
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Kilo TT
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08-16-10, 03:13 PM
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Yeah, a little slack in the chain is good. Sure it feels weird doing a track stand but it's for the better.
08-16-10, 03:20 PM
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08-16-10, 03:52 PM
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Kilo TT
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08-16-10, 04:02 PM
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yesterday you said tom.
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Enough to have move a tiny bit when pushed down on
08-16-10, 04:11 PM
#12
Kilo TT
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08-16-10, 04:18 PM
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08-16-10, 04:29 PM
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:)
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super tight = super wear.
super wear = busted chain.
busted chain = pain.
super wear = busted chain.
busted chain = pain.
08-16-10, 04:30 PM
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yesterday you said tom.
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for posterity, a schmidge of looseness is good with a fair share of tightness.
Yes, but my question was more or less in regards to that feeling of "slack" while shifting your weight doing a track stand because I was so used to it being tight and having no slack there
08-16-10, 04:39 PM
#16
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08-16-10, 05:27 PM
#19
Your cog is slipping.
08-16-10, 05:55 PM
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Ya don't worry don't worry about the slack. I know exactly where you're coming from. I used to have my chain super tight too until reading that its bad. I'm religious about doing trackstands at lights and not putting my foot down and that slack used to drive me nuts for a while but seriously you get used to it. You'll get better at balancing too 
i have about 1/2" play at its tightest point
i have about 1/2" play at its tightest point
Last edited by geej; 08-16-10 at 06:07 PM. Reason: oops 1/2" not 1/2
08-16-10, 07:41 PM
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08-16-10, 09:15 PM
#24
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i have about .5" of total travel up and down. i think it's pretty tight compared to these photos. i'm more paranoid about the chain falling off the cog or chainring.
it helps having a nice round chainring. i use to have over an inch of slack and some points and too tight at others.
it helps having a nice round chainring. i use to have over an inch of slack and some points and too tight at others.
08-16-10, 09:20 PM
#25
Your cog is slipping.
It's perfect.