Originally Posted by
deansdream
...and what is proper chain tension?
As tight as you can possibly make it without binding! One trick I've started using is similar to Sheldon's "Walking"...
1) Get the non-drive side in position and tighten it down so that the wheel is just slightly cocked away from the drive side.
2) Push/pull against the rim itself so that the chain is getting tight as hell. Use the whole wheel as a lever and the non-drive nut that you tightened is the pivot.
3) profit
Well, no, you don't profit, but I promise you can get the chain as tight as you want if you use that technique; and again, you want it is tight as you can make it without binding as you spin the crank.
Originally Posted by
HappyHumber
thnks littledjahn - I think you summed it up nicely.
I need to eat some humble pie about just how I well I assumed I was taking care of my chain. Being that the reactions to the pics thus far have that common theme. Whilst the outside faces of the linkage and their surface rust have bothered me... I was assuming that a few drops of white ligthning I have been giving it every coupla weeks was enough - obviously not enough. Some quick searches already reveal it's not necessarily the best lube anyway for my climate - not especially wet; but not especially dry either - which seems to be the ideal environment for the wax based lubes..
I think depending on the time of the year; I'll keep my faith in master links and rip the new chain off say, every other week and give it a thorough clean and also research a better; or at least more appropriate lube for my climate for top ups between cleans.
What I kinda hate about the topic of lubes is that most people seem to talk of particular brands. Often on this largely US based forum particular products or products aren't simply or readily available in Australia - or I get used to something and then my preferred/favourite LBS goes out of it and I have to face idiotic sales staff at other stores trying to sell me other crap when I am after something else specifically - which is why I got more into D.I.Y. in the first place.
Anyway.. with my old chain between my frame & cog and my tail between my legs... I'm off to search the other threads for little gems on the topic of chain care. I think the chain tension idea is now given. Lesson learned.
thanks guys...
Don't beat yourself up too much; everyone makes mistakes. Think of it this way; how many people have read this thread and have learned 2nd hand how important it is to keep you chain clean, lubed, and tight? You are a farkin hero man!
-Chry