Pennywize

Ok so i have a minor problem on my chain constantly getting loose. I tighten it often just because it gets loose after my rides. I tighten the nuts pretty hard so... i don't think "tightening the nuts" more would fix the problem. It doesnt get drastically loose but.. its just a bit annoying.

Im not quite sure what's wrong.. should i just get a better chain.. (i have the stock kmc chain) or should i just throw some chain tensioners.

-thanks

peabodypride

Get new steel track nuts, make sure they've got nice serrated edges on the inside. They might be slipping a bit on the track ends. Assuming you're not using some quick release thing. A new chain can't hurt but I doubt that's it.

tl;dr: new nuts plus chain tensioner.

beatnik

bro how loose is loose i see a lot of cats riding with the chain too tight
are you riding 1/8 inch
cheers

Pennywize

loose as in.. id tighten my chain enough where it doesn't have that clicking feeling when trackstanding and such. i know it isnt bad riding that loose...buuuut if i dont re-tighten.. my chain will eventually get as loose as.... too loose get it ?

andrewssohip

a little bit of that clicking feeling is good, you'll notice an increase in speed if you left it that loose and it's easier on your chain, but that's a seperate problem. I think peabody's probably onto something with the tracknuts and chain tensioners, if the track nuts don't do it the chain tensioners will. but seriously, loosen your chain dude.

ahand

if your tension is too tight, it actually makes you slower. Learn to get used to that little setback on the chain, pretty soon you'll forget all about it. but for getting tension dialed in perfect, a tensioner is your best bet.

NewYorkMantle

You're probably tensioning too tightly and quickly stretching out the cheap KMC chain as a result.

deadforkinglast

Try greasing the threads of the axle first. That will let you tighten the nuts more without stripping the threads. If that doesn't work, then replace the nuts.

Live2Die

clean your track ends real good, sometimes they get some crud and grease in there and the track nuts will slide a bit. I would tend to agree that if you are running your chain that right you are probably stretching your chain and I would suggest you start running with some slack, as said before you will notice the speed increase, it's like riding 10psi low with a tight chain. But check for crap in your ends and make sure your nuts are in decent shape. Also if your track nuts are ones with out a floating serrated washer that can lead to slipping as the interface can actually flex some as well as destroying your track ends.

hockeyteeth

If you are riding an old frame the dropouts could be well worn from repeated tightening. I've been frustrated by old cruisers and three-speeds who kept fighting my efforts of tensioning the chain because the dropouts were simply worn out.

Pennywize

awesome. thanks for the help! ill try those.