The chain should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about half an inch. If there is no slack in the chain then it is too tight. And if there is too much slack then you need to tighten that chain.
How tight does a bike chain have to be?
So, how tight should a bike chain be? As discussed, a bike chain shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Instead, its tension should be about 0.5 inches. That’s the only chain tension that can guarantee the best performance from your bike chain.
Does a tight chain make it harder to pedal?
Well, if you think the chain has slackened a little you’ll probably notice, it will bounce out off the sprockets or chainring. … On the bright side, if your bike chain is a little loose, you do not need to pedal hard. Because, if the chain were tight, you would need to pedal a lot harder.
Can you run a chain to tight on a bike?
You can tighten your bike chain on your own. Keep in mind that the process is different depending on if you ride a single-speed bike or a bike with a derailleur. To tighten the chain on a fixed-gear bike, start by flipping the bike over or placing it on a bike stand.
Is my chain to tight?
Well, there are a few tell-tale signs that your chain tension isn’t set correctly, such as: A ‘wurring’ sound as you accelerate. Knocking between gear changes. The chain looking under strain when you sit on the bike.
What happens if bike chain is too loose?
A loose bike chain can cause poor shifting, chain skipping, chain dropping, or accelerated drivetrain wear.
How tight should a MTB bike chain be?
How tight should a mountain bike chain be? It should be tight enough that it can move around half an inch upward and downward. But sometimes your chain still slacks, even if you already tightened it.
How do you put tension on a bike chain?
Raise the quick-release lever located in the middle of your rear wheel. Slide the wheel axle backward in the rear dropouts to increase the tension of the chain. Push the wheel axle forward in the rear dropouts to decrease the chain tension. Lower the quick-release lever after adjusting your chain tension.
Why is my bike chain slipping?
Most of the time, a skipping chain is caused by cable stretch. In the first half dozen rides on a new bike your shift cables stretch the most. They can also stretch over time as you ride. … Shift down into the smallest ring in the rear cassette again, and press your shifter again to see if the bike shifts properly.