TIL a bike chain's optimal tension is way looser than I thought

I was reading the Park Tool blog last night and found out a chain should have about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of vertical play at the middle of the span, not the tight-as-a-guitar-string feel I've been running for years. Anyone else ever over-tighten their chain and wonder why shifting felt off?

2 comments

2 Comments

gracecarr1d ago

Yeah I did the same thing with my MTB last month, felt so dumb.

richard_mason18h ago

Ha! Right? I swear the second you turn your back parts just decide to fly off into the weeds. It's like they've got a mind of their own. I spent a solid hour crawling around in the gravel looking for a little washer once, felt like a complete fool. You'd think after all these years I'd learn to keep a magnet on me or something.