Thanks to those who posted the calculators in other threads.

How much is chain stretch an issue?

Lots of views, no replies?

Am I asking the wrong question? Is the answer not chain length and stretch, but maybe a ghost ring?

the ? is not exactly clear to me. If you are asking if the chain will stretch over time, then yes it will. Depending on how much you ride will affect how long it takes

by the time that your chain has stretched enough to affect tension, you should have already changed it out to avoid unduly wearing your drivetrain components (cog, chain ring).

This is true.

That's what I figured, but was getting some odd answers from some friends.

Thanks!

haha, no problem.

basically, the tension is going to be perfect at first (if you did your math right). it's not going to be perfect for long, maybe a few weeks of normal riding and then it's going to be "not perfect but ridable" for a (comparatively) long time until it gets to the point that the chain checker says to replace it.

it'll be safe, you'll just have a somewhat noticeable lag between forward and backward pedaling. it's really not a big deal, it's not going to throw your chain but the sensation can be offputting to some.

so you're either demanding perfect tension and dumping a bunch of money into new chains or you're dealing with "not perfect but rideable" tension.

ebb dude ebb is all I got to say

Thanks man!

I asked this question here figuring I'd get the most reliable and accurate response, but it's actually for my commuter/utility build. I'm going with an internal geared hub with coaster brake, so no backwards riding.

I think my friends a little uptight cuz my actually SS has somewhere around 0.75-1" up-and-down slack and it's never caused me any trouble. If I do the math so I start out pretty tight (0.25" movement?), it should loosen up to what I'm used to, yeah? Or Am I looking for trouble with that much slack?

yeah for ss (or internal gears) you can get away with more slack. sounds like you'll be fine.

cool. thanks!