Adjusting the primary question

Should there be the weight of a rider on the bike when adjusting the primary chain?

Not needed for the primary but is needed for the final drive chain.

kommando's right, but how often do you have the luxury of someone to sit on your bike while you adjust the final chain? Best, IMHO, to adjust it once that way, have 'er get off, then see how the chain should be adjusted without rider - then feel your way back to that point henceforth.

More art than science anyway, I think - but I WOULD, wouldn't I?


Best - BrianK

I agree with Brian, see what the ideal slack is unladen, and use that as a rough guide.
I've thought that having the chain a little loose is better than having it a little tight. Not so loose that you could jump a tooth, but even a little tight accelerates wear on the chain, sprockets, and bearings.