Chain tension on Hardtail

[hermann]

I hate doing chain tensioning at the best of times. I become virtually OCD about getting it right, but this is the first time I've done it on a hardtail and I'm after a bit of advice. How much play does the chain need to have? Obviously it doesn't need to allow for the movement of the swing arm but does it still need some play in it? Confused of Yorkshire

[nutbag1]

I hate doing chain tensioning at the best of times. I become virtually OCD about getting it right, but this is the first time I've done it on a hardtail and I'm after a bit of advice. How much play does the chain need to have? Obviously it doesn't need to allow for the movement of the swing arm but does it still need some play in it? Confused of Yorkshire

A good rule of thumb is anywhere between 1 & 3 cm, a better idea is to buy a shaftie :D

[contail]

i usualy have about 2cm of play. my adjuster is a skateboard wheel. realy simple and quick. i find when i have the chain tighter it doesnt drop in to gear as well. but thats on my bike. ide go for the 2-3cm then see how it feels. when i finaly get round to rebuilding the chop, im putting a shaft on it. :D

[hermann]

Unfortunately that would mean chqanging my gpz and my norton as well as our lasses xs and bsa (Cos I have to do hers as well) for shaft drives. I think I'll persevere ;)