monkey69

just sux rear.the chainslap is so damn bad on the HR ,i need to do something about it.
i was just gonna shorten the chain until i have the funds for a chain guide.
question ,how many links should i take out .stock the derailler has just about exactly a 90 degree angle.if i take 4 out i should be at like 100 - 110 ,is that still ok?

pnj

I don't think chain guides help prevent slap, they just keep the chain on your rings.

what most people do is put something on their chainstays to absorb the impact. an old tire zipped tied on works well.

Speedub.Nate

In order to not rip your derailleur from the hanger, or the hanger from the frame, size your chain according to the "big-big" method: Bypassing the derailleur, wrap your chain around the big ring plus the big cog, then add two to three links as necessary.

This will ensure if you ever accidentally shift to the big-big combo, you you'll leave the trail with as many pieces as you started with.

Other than this, only real medicine for excessive chain slap is to switch to a medium cage derailleur, and like pnj recommends, wrap your chainstay.

willtsmith_nwi

Check your BIG/BIG combination. If the derailleur is near horizontal, you cannot take out any links.

Break the chain than size it for the BIG/BIG combination. If you're running a medium cage derailleur and 44 ring/32 cog cog combination, you can keep a "spare length" of chain around with a powerlink. That way, if you need to ride on the road, you can snap in a little extra length for the big ring.

seely

Just wrap an old tube on the chainstay like handlebar tape, or get a Lizard Skin chainstay guard... chain slap is a way of life for almost any geared bike.

Dirtbike

I am running a single ring, with a medium cage X.9 RD. Medium cage puts more tension on the chain, reducing chain slap. I have black vinyl tape on my chainstay. I dont have much slap at all.