Been setting chain tension wrong on single speeds for years

I was building up a State Bicycle Co. frame last week and the chain kept skipping under load. My buddy came over, watched me push the wheel back in the dropouts, and said 'dude, you're just eyeballing it?'. He showed me how to use a ruler from the seat tube to the axle to get it even on both sides. I had no idea the wheel could be that crooked just by feel. How do you guys check chain tension without a tensioner?

3 comments

3 Comments

blair6261mo ago

Using a ruler seems like overkill to me.

harper_owens1mo ago

Wait, you just freehand lines without a ruler? How do you even get anything straight, @blair626? My stuff would look like a toddler drew it. I tried that once and the whole page looked wobbly. A basic ruler is the difference between a project looking pro and looking like a mess.

the_elliot14d ago

Honestly, I feel like @blair626 is missing the point a little. Using a ruler isn't overkill when your whole drivetrain is on the line. You don't need a fancy tool for chain tension, just a basic ruler to measure from the seat tube to the axle on both sides. That way you know the wheel is straight. Tbh, I used to just pinch the chain and hope for the best, but then I'd get that weird chain slap or it'd pop off under hard pedaling. Measuring both sides is way more reliable than just feel. Ngl, it takes an extra minute but saves you from replacing a bent hanger or messing up your hub.