Checking the chain tension
Highest chain tension
Correct chain tension is essential for correct driving behavior. If the chain tension is too low while
you are driving in a heavy gear, the chain can jump off even with slight jolts. If the chain tension is
too high while you are driving in a low gear, this leads to an unnecessarily high load on the chain.
The chain tension depends on the gear engaged and the driving situation as well as the effort re-
quired to pedal. A defined value for the tensile stress cannot be given in this regard. It is important
that the chain is neither too loose nor too tight. See the following explanations for this:
Shift the chain to the largest sprocket in the back and front.
The chain should go as shown in Figures A and B above. If the chain on your bike runs as shown in
Figure C above, the chain is too long and must be shortened. If the chain on your bike runs as shown
in Figure D above, the chain is too short and needs to be replaced.
Lowest chain tension
Now switch the chain to the smallest sprocket at the front and rear.
The chain should go as shown in Figure Y above. If the chain on your bicycle runs as shown in Figure Z
above, the chain is too long and must be shortened.
