Just did my first attempt at adjusting the drive chain on my F4i. Chain came with the bike and other then for the 3000 miles I've had it, I don't know it's history. Chain streach indicator is centered in the "blue" adjustment space, approx 1/8" before replace bar. When finished, chain deflection is about 1 1/4". Manual says 1 3/8" deflection is specified, do I reset to manual spec or is 1 1/4" OK? Wheel spins freely and doesn't appear to bind. Tks

 

if it were mine, that would be ok. 1/8" on the tight side isnt much, unless you are a BIG guy or regularly compress the rear suspension with a passenger.

 

+1 to Demon, I would add, though if you're on the last 1/8th, I'd start throwing change
in the jar. You're probably gonna want to replace it and the sprockets, in the next grand
or two.

Ern

 

Thanks for the info. I'm in the mid to lighter end of the weight scale and don't ride two up so I'll leave as is for now.

Mad, I'll keep a close watch on the strech and start saving the change.

 

I am into my second year with my first bike and I thought my chain was stretched right out because the chain indicator said so. I looked into it a bit more and found that my front sprocket was -1. The previous owner obviously only changed the front sprocket and not the chain or the rear sprocket. The chain is the incorrect size for the sprocket set up and is giving a false reading. It is in the required 5/8" to 1" range and does not flex side to side, Just something to look out for but you won't be sure and satisfied until you replace it yourself.