@ chain tension checker

[Bolty]

After reading lots of the correct amount of chain slack I think it looks like there should be about 70mm between the underside of the swingarm and the chain (i.e. you can wedge a 70mm block inbetween the swingarm and chain) with this in mind I've cut a bit of 2"x1" to 70mm and I'll keep it in my topbox, anyhow, my son works in the drawing orifice at a local engineering company and he said that they are just about to buy a laser cutter, now if you had access to a laser cutter what would you make? I'm thinking something along the lines of something around 2 inch wide, 70mm high and whatever could be cut into the tool (think along the lines of those crappy pressed steel multi spanners that were popular with cyclists a few years ago) it's the 70mm bit that is important as the other measurements can be as big as they need to be but I'm thinking something which is easily stow-able and would be handy as an emergency tool, a spoke key comes to mind but after that I've drawn a blank.

If I can persuade my son to make this XRV.org.uk wonder tool I'll get him to knock a couple up for the best ideas and send them out as freebies and make the drawings available should anyone want to make their own up.

Anyone interested?

[een705]

Sounds like a good idea to me we need an expert to design one thats idiot proof

[Steve T]

Not for me thanks - My 70mm wide block of wood has seen years of service, but thanks for the offer

Steve T

[kingdirt]

After reading lots of the correct amount of chain slack I think it looks like there should be about 70mm between the underside of the swingarm and the chain (i.e. you can wedge a 70mm block inbetween the swingarm and chain)

Ehm, is this with the bike on a stand, rear wheel not touching the ground? ?

[Bolty]

On side stand with (obviously) wheel on ground, 70mm block wedged between swingarm and chain, don't confuse with 70mm of movement though!

[Bolty]

Block of wood will defo do the job Steve, I just thought that it might be handy to have a multi use item rather than what looks like a piece of waste lumber rolling about in the topbox

[een705]

Can we have a pic?
Thx

[kitped]

Interesting, could be a large 70mm wide chain link shape with XRV cut out the middle, could double up as a side stand foot!!

[GSPD750]

Can we have a pic?
Thx

Wood is not such a good idea IMO only because it absorbs oil and will wear over time. I would suggest
a length of metal dowel that you could cut down to size. I used aluminum but steel is fine too and
probably easier and cheaper to source. Using bolts that you can cut to size would also work well but that
can get costly if you want to go into production. I think you want at least 3/8" in diam. otherwise anything smaller
could fall thru the links. Metal is easy to wipe after...roll it up in cloth and stick it in your tank bag.

Following is 3/8" diam...works for me.

[kingdirt]

Wood is not such a good idea IMO only because it absorbs oil and will wear over time. I would suggest
a length of metal dowel that you could cut down to size. I used aluminum but steel is fine too and
probably easier and cheaper to source. Using bolts that you can cut to size would also work well but that
can get costly if you want to go into production. I think you want at least 3/8" in diam. otherwise anything smaller
could fall thru the links. Metal is easy to wipe after...roll it up in cloth and stick it in your tank bag.

Following is 3/8" diam...works for me.

Thanks, this clariefies

Dude that chain is so clean that it makes me scary