G
6

PSA: I just learned that a properly tensioned chain should only deflect about half an inch, not a full inch

Read it in an old Park Tool manual I found at a garage sale for a dollar. Has anyone else been over-tensioning for years without realizing it?
3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In
3 Comments
jordan305
jordan3051mo ago
Yeah, that "half an inch" thing is what my local bike shop guy always says. He told me a super tight chain puts extra stress on the whole drivetrain, not just the chain itself. It can wear out your rear hub bearings faster because everything is under so much pressure. I used to crank mine down until it felt solid, but I was definitely wrong. Makes you wonder what other basic maintenance steps we've all been getting wrong for years.
5
mason_barnes
Found that out the hard way after snapping a chain last summer.
1
paul_mason12
My Park Tool gauge was a game changer for me.
4