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Hi folks. I am trying to adjust my chain for the first time; and had a few questions:
1) Checking chain stretch. The service manual for the bike along with the owner's manual recommends tightening the chain to it's maximum when checking stretch (i.e. the counting of 20 pins). Does it matter if I tighten it all?
2) When I 'tighten' the chain, how does that actually work? I.e. I'd think I'm not tightening the actual links, but rather lengthening somehow the distance the chain has to stretch between the gear cogs in the front and the gear cog in the back.
3) I'm having trouble measuring the up and down travel of the chain to see whether its in the 0.8" - 1.2" spec. I have heard that I want to check at the "tightest point" but that would be right next to the rear wheel gear cog (apologies if I'm not getting the terminology right). Also is it equivalent to check on the part of the chain closest to the ground as it is to check the part that is closest to the seat?
4) I have heard that 1" is the generally accepted amount of distance I'd want to be able to move the chain after adjustment... is this right?
5) If I'm not able to adjust to 1"; does this mean a shot chain?
6) If I don't see the right spec for tightness of chain (i.e. the counting between 20 pins, does that mean a shot chain)?
7) If I have a shot chain; does that mean I have to replace the front/rear gear cogs at the same time?
8) The cotter pin. Is there any point of carrying a backup on this on my trip to S. America?
9) Right now (until my 24mm socket is shipped) I cannot adjust my chain and it currently has 1.5" of travel. is this dangerous? At what point does the chain become so loose that it might jump off its track?
10) What happens as the chain/sprocket become really worn? What does it feel like? Is there any point to letting my bike get to this level to maximize chain/sprocket time; or is it dangerous and I should replace when the stretch is out of sync.
Thanks for all your help in advance. I'm a noob and I just have so many questions. I did read quite a few chain adjustment threads before asking these questions so as to not repeat forum knowledge. If I missed one, please don't hesitate to point me to it so I can read it as well.
1) Checking chain stretch. The service manual for the bike along with the owner's manual recommends tightening the chain to it's maximum when checking stretch (i.e. the counting of 20 pins). Does it matter if I tighten it all?
2) When I 'tighten' the chain, how does that actually work? I.e. I'd think I'm not tightening the actual links, but rather lengthening somehow the distance the chain has to stretch between the gear cogs in the front and the gear cog in the back.
3) I'm having trouble measuring the up and down travel of the chain to see whether its in the 0.8" - 1.2" spec. I have heard that I want to check at the "tightest point" but that would be right next to the rear wheel gear cog (apologies if I'm not getting the terminology right). Also is it equivalent to check on the part of the chain closest to the ground as it is to check the part that is closest to the seat?
4) I have heard that 1" is the generally accepted amount of distance I'd want to be able to move the chain after adjustment... is this right?
5) If I'm not able to adjust to 1"; does this mean a shot chain?
6) If I don't see the right spec for tightness of chain (i.e. the counting between 20 pins, does that mean a shot chain)?
7) If I have a shot chain; does that mean I have to replace the front/rear gear cogs at the same time?
8) The cotter pin. Is there any point of carrying a backup on this on my trip to S. America?
9) Right now (until my 24mm socket is shipped) I cannot adjust my chain and it currently has 1.5" of travel. is this dangerous? At what point does the chain become so loose that it might jump off its track?
10) What happens as the chain/sprocket become really worn? What does it feel like? Is there any point to letting my bike get to this level to maximize chain/sprocket time; or is it dangerous and I should replace when the stretch is out of sync.
Thanks for all your help in advance. I'm a noob and I just have so many questions. I did read quite a few chain adjustment threads before asking these questions so as to not repeat forum knowledge. If I missed one, please don't hesitate to point me to it so I can read it as well.