I've been losing the proper chain tension repeatedly on my bike (with quick release) during the first few pedals and back pedals immediately after re-setting the rear wheel. I've been periodically re-setting my rear wheel for about 2 months now. Although the slacking chain tension hasn't caused any problems, It just felt sloppy. Today, I'm glad I've finally discovered the problem: The hollow axle can move independently from the acorn nut and skewers; There's wiggle room for the hollow axle; Their centerline do not always align; If the acorn nut is in fixed in a position, it is still possible for the axle to slightly move fore or aft. I don't know if all quick releases are this way.



Previously, I would loosen the quick release and tug on the rim to increase chain tension. This is primarily pulling from the rim to the hub and axle, then the axle pulls the acorn nut and skewers. But this is also moving the axle aft in relation to the acorn nut and skewers. When I begin riding, the acorn nut and skewers doesn't slip on the dropouts (which I thought was the cause of the problem) and do remain where they are but it's the axle, along with the lock nuts, that move slighly forward and would cause the chain to lose tension. That wasn't a problem when the bike had the chain tensioner from the derailleur. I found that the proper way to increase chain tension is not by tugging on the rim but pulling on the acorn nut and skewer instead. This way moves the acon nut and skewers farther back than the axle so that the axle has no more wiggle room to move forward.



I noticed this this morning as I was trying to tighten the chain (again). I tried the newfound method when I got home and I just got back from doing some sprints and immediate slow downs by back pedaling and the chain tension is still how it was.



anyone else with quick release losing chain tension? might want to try this if my explanation even made sense.