I used to tighten my chain with a hammer and a punch, and I'm not proud of it.

For years, I'd just tap the rear axle nuts loose, shove the wheel back, and whack it all tight again. It was fast, but my chain tension was always a guess. Last fall, my chain slipped off on a steep hill in the park and I nearly went over the bars. That was the last straw. I finally bought a proper chain tension gauge for about $25. Now I set it to the exact 1/2 inch of play my old ten-speed manual calls for. It takes an extra minute, but the bike shifts perfectly and I haven't had a single skip. Does anyone else have a 'before and after' tool that made a huge difference in your routine?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_oliver15d ago

Cheap tools that stop you from cutting corners.

oliver81115d ago

Ever think a chain tool was just extra stuff? I was the same until a loose chain messed up a good ride. Now I get what @the_oliver means about cheap tools keeping you honest.