Repair guides › Drivetrain

Set single-speed chain tension

Wider 1/8" chain for single-speed or hub-gear bikes. Tensioned by sliding the rear wheel back.

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Tools

• 3/8" ratchet + 14/15 mm sockets + 8 mm hex bit: TEKTON 3/8 inch drive socket set metric ($$)

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Steps

1. Loosen axle nuts.
2. Pull the wheel back until the chain has about 1/2" of up-down play at the middle.
3. Center the wheel, tighten axle nuts alternately to 30–40 Nm. On a coaster-brake hub, re-tighten the brake arm strap on the chainstay, then back-pedal hard to test the brake.

Signs it needs doing

• Chain slaps or drops (too slack)

Problems this fixes

• Chain skips or jumps when pedaling hard
• Chain falls off