chain tension

[lordjenks]

when i first got my bianchi pista the chain wasa really tight, o that when trackstanding there was no play where the slack was being taken up in the chain, now i know the chain stretches and i tried to mve my wheel backwards to compensate but no matter how hard i try i cant seem to get the chain as tight as it first was. have you got any ideas on how to get a tight chain?
thanks a million

 

[Theseus]

The best technique I know of is to "walk" the wheel.

1. Position the wheel so that the chain is reasonably tight and do up the nut on the non-drive side tight.
2. Pull the rim closest to the BB towards the chain.
3. When the chain is as tight as you want it, do up the drive side nut tight.
4. Slack off the non-drive side nut, centre the wheel and re-tighted

Job done.

Also described by Sheldon in his article about Chain Tension and Rear Wheel Installation

 

[fossyant]

Don't have it too tight though - you'll hear the chain rattle like hell if too tight - not good for bearings.