Chain alignment

[r1flyguy1]

Hi guys/gals

Im guessing a lot of you do your own chain alignment when fitting wheels etc, Im looking on fleabay for a chain alignment tool and there seems to be a lot of choice, differing prices etc.


can any of you recommend one thats decent quality/product

Just fitted some new wheels to my track bike build and want to make sure the chain is running true as had to slack off the adjusters to get the spindle in

Cheers

[r1flyguy1]

Prof Prolapse said:

Unless I'm under thinking this?

I’m not overly trusting of the marks on the swingarm spindle area, but a tape measure is a good start

[Prof Prolapse]

I deleted that incase I came across as dick as I didn't mean to

I wouldn't trust marks either, but I just use any fixed point from the spindle to the swingarm bolt and a decent measuring tape on each side and compare. Pretty sure it gets it there to probably with a mm or two, for me that's close enough.

I'm not really into "precision" though.

[trickywoo]

The lasers that you put on the rear sprocket and shine down the chain work well enough.

Certainly close enough and minimal fuss.

[r1flyguy1]

Prof Prolapse said:

I deleted that incase I came across as dick as I didn't mean to

I wouldn't trust marks either, but I just use any fixed point from the spindle to the swingarm bolt and a decent measuring tape on each side and compare. Pretty sure it gets it there to probably with a mm or two, for me that's close enough.

I'm not really into "precision" though.

Its ok, i didn't take it that way anyway as its friendly banter

As I get older my OCD gets worse when it comes to mechanical sympathy

[r1flyguy1]

trickywoo said:

The lasers that you put on the rear sprocket and shine down the chain work well enough.

Certainly close enough and minimal fuss.

Watched a few reviews on the ‘tube’

So much choice !!!!!!!!!

[Bob_Defly]

Motion Pro make a good tool.

[KTMsm]

I've always just used the marks on the swingarm - I'm getting the impression that's not good enough

[r1flyguy1]

KTMsm said:

I've always just used the marks on the swingarm - I'm getting the impression that's not good enough

It probably is but if you want to do something, do it right, sort of

[Biker 1]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Top answer!!
I usually eye through the chain - it is quite easy to see if the links are tight or loose at the edges of the rear sprocket, especially with the help of a paddock/centre stand

[Rubin215]

People are missing the point here.

The important thing is to have the wheel itself in line with the swingarm and the main frame of the bike, i.e. 90 degrees to the swingarm pivot.
The centre point of the swingarm pivot should be the same distance from the centre point of the rear axle on both sides.

Chain alignment is secondary; as you accelerate, the cush drive will compress and the rear sprocket will be pulled out of line, likewise if you bang down the gears and use old-school engine braking.

A chain has a degree of side flex anyway, it has to get pretty damn out of shape before it is going to snap or even wear excessively.

[r1flyguy1]

Bob_Defly said:

Motion Pro make a good tool.

Had delivered Motion Pro, chain alignment & slack adjuster tools, seem to be nice easy kit to use so will happily tinker away

Cheers all for the replies.

[Benni]

If a bike has reasonable access to both sides of the swing arm axle, and the wheel axle,
( no parts completely blocking the way ) , a simple tool can be made out of a thin ( welding) rod,
and a short piece of plastic tubing.
Bend a short end of the metal rod 90° so it fits into the center of the axle ( most have a middle "dimple") ,
the long rod end going parallel to the swing arm to the rear wheel.
Cut a short piece of tube, cut a pointy tip to the end, poke the rod through the other "not pointy" end,
so the tube piece can be slided a bit on the long rod end.
Adjust the slack out of the chain, measure the distance between swingarm axle and wheel axle on "chain side",
and adjust rear wheel on the other "non-chain" side to that same distance.
That should give a simple and basic adjustment.