Tag Archives: tension

How to tension a chain

Would have liked to wait for the right bike to show up at the recycling centre, but time was slipping by. So I bought a lighter chain wheel to replace the one used to test the concept.

Might be placebo, the power of suggestion, or perhaps I’m getting fitter… but I was able to pedal so hard that the alternator generated 17.9 volts. A new personal best! 🙂

If you want the details, this pic shows the chain wheel specs.

Chain tensioning

Spotting my chain problems, one kind visitor took the trouble to make contact and give me this tip. It’s made a big difference to my confidence while pedaling. So I’m sharing it in case it helps others.

The chainwheel inserted here is from a kid’s bike dumped at the local authority recycling yard. It is a bit heavy and you can see the effect on the chain. Mountain bikes and racers would have lighter pedal sprockets. So I’ll be checking the recycling centre often. Sure, I could probably buy one. But I prefer the idea of rescuing / re-using parts from bikes others think are only worth throwing out.

Meanwhile I can relax while pedalling and make electricity in comfort 🙂