Chain tension

[BevH]

Manual says my chain should be 20mm but how loose shd it be adjusted to for green laning? Tks

[fallenmikethebike]

I would be more generous than that, generally I like to see about about 50mm from where the chain runs on the slider, on top of the swinging arm.
Mike

[Stewie]

It depends on the type of bike and whether or not there is a chain tensioner fitted, but for the type of lanes we have, I would be going by the manufacturers recommendations, as a too lose chain will store to much energy before its transferred to drive, leading to excess wear on the moving parts.

[big yellow tractor]

Depends on the bike.

I would go a little on the loose side of the manufacturer's recommendation; a chain that's clarted with mud will run tight. Check it again on the ride to see how it seems when it's mucky

Make sure your chain is in good condition; eeking a few more rides out of a buggered chain could cost you many hundreds of pounds if it gives up; a broken chain can do a pretty good job of smashing crankcases and gearboxes. I have seen a few lucky escapes where the chain just rolls off the bike without and damage but most times it'll bugger up something.

[Dave]

100% go with manufacturers recommendations. It will be based on the maximum attainable distance between the CS sprocket and rear sprocket when the rear shock compresses, and will not be so loose as to wear out parts rapidly or cause chain slap.

[BevH]

Thanks for advice. On maintenance course over weekend and one of the mechanics goes off road and so we adjusted to handbook recommendations. He tested to see if enough give and it was fine.