So I usually like my chain super tight, but lately have been realizing this might not be the best option. I noticed when I loosen it a bit though, there is play and I can feel it when I am trackstanding, and it kinda bothers me - almost as if there is a little bit of lag before the chain catches when I first start to pedal. You guys run your fixed gears with a bit of slack in the chain? Do you get used to the feeling of "play" in your chain?

My fixed gear doesn't have much slack, but my SS has tons.

As for the trackstanding, yeah, you get used to it.

With it super tight, its just so nice to have the immediate reaction when you are shifting your weight back and forth

Yeah, a little slack in the chain is good. Sure it feels weird doing a track stand but it's for the better.

a loose chain is a fast chain.

There are more mechanical losses if you have your chain super tight.

Ok, lesson learned. Thanks guys

I wanna see some pics of how "loose" your loose chains are.

i dont use a chain!!!!111111111




111!!!!!!!!!

Enough to have move a tiny bit when pushed down on.

so that wouldn't be "loose," it be proper chain tension

Yes, but my question was more or less in regards to that feeling of "slack" while shifting your weight doing a track stand because I was so used to it being tight and having no slack there.

for posterity, a schmidge of looseness is good with a fair share of tightness.






thss.

super tight = super wear.

super wear = busted chain.

busted chain = pain.

word

I don't trackstand so I don't really have this problem but I understand what you're saying

Yeah, its the only time I really feel any looseness from the chain.

1/2" to 3/4" of vertical play usually.

Bikeforums does not allow any slack in chain for photo ops. Remember that.

I agree but aMull would fight you to the death over this.

Ya don't worry don't worry about the slack. I know exactly where you're coming from. I used to have my chain super tight too until reading that its bad. I'm religious about doing trackstands at lights and not putting my foot down and that slack used to drive me nuts for a while but seriously you get used to it. You'll get better at balancing too i have about 1/2" play at its tightest point

i hate having a loose chain so i feel ya

Loose enough for ya?

Not mine, from fgg:

i have about .5" of total travel up and down. i think it's pretty tight compared to these photos. i'm more paranoid about the chain falling off the cog or chainring.

it helps having a nice round chainring. i use to have over an inch of slack and some points and too tight at others.

It's perfect.