So I got the drivetrain all setup on my ss project. I had ordered a half link in anticipation of needing it, but once I had it all setup, the chain is pretty damn taut. There is only about 1/2" of deflection, and i have to force it to that.

What is ideal? I mean, the cranks rotate smoothly and quietly, but I don't wan't to damage anything if it's too tight. I'm running a 36x16 combo right now, although I havent been able to ride it till I get some tires and a seat.

If you have to force deflection it's probably too tight. I like the slack in my chain to feel a touch floppy, not taut like a bowstring, so when you deflect it you are actually just lifting it up a bit, fighting gravity not chain tension. That way you're sure it's ok. There's really no safety related reason to have it as tight as possible without binding and it's too easy to get it too tight and mess up your bearings and drivetrain.

What kind of stretch should I anticipate? Should I leave it as is and wait to see what happens, or do I throw the half-link in there?


It's not binding in any way that I can see, then agian it hasn't been placed under any load so I'm not sure.

My guess is that it's going to be too loose with the half link. You may have to use a different ratio.

Thats what I was thinking, but maybe I'll give it a shot. Hell, I haven't even ridden it yet so I have no idea if that ratio will be good for me or not.


It looks soooo good right now though.

If everything spins freely and you don't mind slightly faster wear you're probably better off where you are.

magic gears are ***** to get perfect.

Ohhh you're magic gearing it eh? That's a different kettle of fish and pretty hard to pull off. I'd just buy an eno or run a tensioner if i were you. But i'm lazy!

The wheelset is old and was cheap to begin with (stock wheel and hub from a $250 1995 Trek) so if it does cause wear, I'm not too worried about replacing it.

I just really didn't want to run a tensioner unless I had to.


With all the parts I just HAD to buy to convert what was supposed to be a dirt cheap bike, my wife would kill me if I even suggested such a thing.

Oh, I've been there man, as a $300 build bloats up to a $1300 build and beyond some marital stress can ensue in the mander household. Well, a tensioner is cheap, and it will give you a lot more flexibility with your gearing as well as allowing you to run slightly stretched chains. But do whatcha want!