for the past 2 weeks, i've been riding with less chain tension than usual, compared to before, it was much too tight. however with the change, i'm now noticing a "disconnect" in my drive when i pedal. it's getting more distinct with the more i ride--skid especially.
i can't tell if it is from my chain (something normal that comes with the territory?), or possibly loose cog or bb? i also noticed yesterday it's been a bit tough on my knees, so i'm thinking its a bit too loose now. my chain line is fine so i'm not concerned with it coming off...it's more of the drive than anything.

thanks so much!

huh?

Whats the feeling your getting? Like when you transition between forward pressure to go, and reverse pressure to slow down you feel a bit of give?

I've got that, I'm not sure if its chain tension, bb, or cog, but i have yet to be able to get rid of it... maybe its normal?

Your post is a bit confusing, but why is the chain tension less? Did you do anything or has the chain just stretched? Maybe you should just tighten the tension some, I just don't see a real problem if that's all it is....

yes...the ride is smoother and feels like it's easier (requiring less force) to pedal. i know that's not the case, but there is a bit of "give" with forward pressure. almost like there is space between my chain and the teeth of chain ring--a "disconnect"
if that ALL makes any sense!
sorry if it doesn't!

Go look up chain tension on Sheldon Brown's website. There's a great article on there. I can't exactly remember what it said but I remember thinking it made sense.

-john

yeah, checked it before i came here. informative but thought i would ask around if anyone else had this before. thanks!

Sounds like it's just your chain tension, which can just be fixed by adjusting the rear tire in the dropouts. I don't think the knee issue has anything to do with it though, that might have more to due with either your gear ratio or set up.

Get some old shimano Biopace rings, that'll get rid of your "dead spot"



hhahaha

It's probably that your cadence/spin isn't as smooth and consistent as it could be. With a tight chain your legs will be forced around for the entire rotation of the cranks, but a little slack in the chain will make you notice any dead spots in your pedalling stroke.

If you try and concentrate on keeping your spin smooth when you feel the "disconnect" it should eventually improve, and you'll have a smoother, more efficient spin.

Wow a few people actually knew what they were talking about!
Yes it's a dead spot in your pedal stroke, nothing to worry about, depending on how much slack is in the chain you feel your chain "give" some more.
I like to have a very little amount of slack in my chain. enough to where I notice my dead spots but not enough to be distracting.

Just work on pedaling in every direction, not just up and down, but forward and back aswell. make that full circle with your legs. :-)

get clipless pedals.

it wont directly solve the problem, but its definitely the way to go. on the other hand, ignorance is bliss.