Essential skills: chain adjustment

De-mystifying the dark art of chain adjustment and wheel alignment...

ALONGSIDE TYRE PRESSURES, checking the chain tension on your bike is one of the most important habits you should get into. Incorrect adjustment could accelerate chain and sprocket wear, even if it is not visible. This can affect its ability to transmit power to the rear wheel and in extreme cases, the chain could snap or even jump off the sprocket, leaving you stranded. The good news though is that checking - and if necessary adjusting - your chain is an easy process. It will keep the bike happier, make your money go further and make sure that you get the best performance and reliability. It’s possible to do it using just the sidestand but if your bike isn’t fitted with a centrestand as original, an aftermarket paddock stand will make life an awful lot easier.