installing new chain

[Doyleyburger]

When installing a new chain how tight should the chain be.

I will of course have the bike set on small chain ring at the front and on the smallest cog on the cassette.
Is there a general rule of thumb in terms of how tight the chain should be when reconnecting the links ?

Or do I just make it the same size as the old chain ??

 

[uclown2002]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

I use full link overlap in image half way down. Or measure old chain.

 

[The Brewer]

Same size as the old chain, but thers lots of guides on YouTube :-)

 

[slowmotion]

Use a chain length calculator like this...
http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/bike/chain_length/chainlengthcalc.html

 

[Doyleyburger]

Thanks guys

 

[Doyleyburger]

Did see one video where they guy said that a gap of one finger between the chain and rear mech is about right. But seemed like a very approximate guide. ?

 

[Roadrider48]

I put my new chain on small front and small back cogs, then pulled the chain taught until the derailleur hangs dead vertical. Keep thumb on the link you want to break. Then used chain tool. Seems ok.
That was a while ago now.

 

[Hacienda71]

Wrap around big cog front and big cog rear plus two full links. Or the same length as the old chain if that worked faultlessly.

 

[raleighnut]

Wrap around big cog front and big cog rear plus two full links. Or the same length as the old chain if that worked faultlessly.

That is how I have always done it.

 

[Doyleyburger]

All done. Thanks for your input people.