Originally Posted by
melville
The chain shouldn't have tension on it, but should have a wee spot of slack even in the tight spots. The old trackies' trick is to set it as loose as possible, pick the bike up, give the cranks a good hearty spin, and shake and invert the bike to see if it comes off. If it comes off, move the rear wheel back 1mm, test again.
Also make sure that the rear cog is pointing straight at the chainring. This may not be where the rear wheel is centered between the chainstays.
Good luck
Mel
I use a similar way to check the chain. What I do is set the chain so there is some slack in it at all points of rotation, then I grab the down tube near the BB with one hand, put the seat against my stomach and lift the bike up so it is horizontal. Then I crank the pedals with the other hand, shake the bike, and if the chain stays on, its correctly adjusted.
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Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1