I was just wondering approximately how much slack there should be in my chain. I've just gone from the world of bmx where I use to keep my chain so tight that the cranks would not move without my feet on them.

also, does anyone have a good idea as to how to tighten the chain without a stand? I'm too poor right now to buy one but I really need to tighten my chain.

 

about 1" of play in the chain slack, do you have any car jackstands, they work ok in a pinch.

 

Yeah, no less than 1" at the tightest spot of the chain. My Clymers manual says to check/adjust chain with the rear tire on the ground. They recommend putting it up on a stand to find the tightest part of the chain.

 

This helped me when I was tightening my chain, enjoy ...
http://www.shraz.net/motorcycle/f4i/drivechain/

 

Can't understand why bikes don't come with a centre stand, they are even put up as "optional extras" on some top end bikes. Not just for tightening the chain, but fer changing the front or rear wheel with a flat, not to mention checking the oil.