Recumbent bicycles · Public discussion

Chain slapping seat.

Started by William Higley · · Last activity · 8 posts · 623 views

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Recumbent bicycles
Published
15 June 2003
Last activity
17 June 2003
Original author
William Higley
Posts
8
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  1. I currently ride a Vision R-50. During the last few hundred miles I have had the chain slapping the
    underside of the seat frame. This only occurs when I am in the large gear on the chainring and the 3
    largest gears on the cassette. This did not happen when I first got the bike.

    According to the chain checking tool I have I am at 50% of my allowable wear for the chain.

    What suggestions do you have?

    Thanks.

    William Higley, Sr., P.L.S. (Professional Land Surveyor ~ Are there any others out there?)
    Vision R-50

  2. "William Higley, Sr." skrev...

    Quoted message said:

    I currently ride a Vision R-50. During the last few hundred miles I have had the chain slapping
    the underside of the seat frame. This only occurs when I am in the large gear on the chainring and
    the 3 largest gears on the cassette. This did not happen when I first got the bike.

    According to the chain checking tool I have I am at 50% of my allowable wear for the chain.

    What suggestions do you have?

    (Bear in mind I'm no expert on Visions.)

    Does it slap all the time? As in you got an oscillation going? Maybe making the suspension harder
    would help. Or a bit of chaintube to guide it under the seat might dampen it out.

    M.

  3. I've had the chain slap the seat frame on my R-42. Confirm that is the problem by seeing if there is
    evidence of the chain scraping off the paint on the underside of seat frame. If that's what it is
    try cleaning & lubing your rear derailleur (it may be binding and slow to take up chain slack) and
    make sure the pulleys move freely. You'll also benefit from cleaning the derailleur with better
    shifting. And while your hands are dirty might as well clean the chain too!

    My bike doesn't have Vision's Instant-Adjust system so I removed a link or two of the chain as well.

    To minimize the noise from the chain slap you might spilt a piece of hose and slide it over the seat
    frame at the contact point.

    If you don't see paint wear on the bottom of seat frame and you have a center stand the rubber
    bumper may have worn out making a noise that sounds like occasional chain slap.

    Best regards to the group,

    Jay Brooklyn, NY

  4. <What suggestions do you have?

    Shift into the middle chainring.

  5. 1. shorten chain to increase tension if possible
    2. add or remove spacers to pulley bolts to reposition idler channels if possible
    3. For occasional slaps (on bumps for example) cut a samll piece of adhesive funiture leg felt and
    stick on frame to prevent noise and scratching.

    Regards Chris

    William Higley said:

    I currently ride a Vision R-50. During the last few hundred miles I have had the chain slapping
    the underside of the seat frame. This only occurs when I am in the large gear on the chainring and
    the 3 largest gears on the cassette. This did not happen when I first got the bike.

    According to the chain checking tool I have I am at 50% of my allowable wear for the chain.

    What suggestions do you have?

    Thanks.

    William Higley, Sr., P.L.S. (Professional Land Surveyor ~ Are there any others out there?)
    Vision R-50

  6. Bill, I tried to post a response to your problem earlier, but apparently it went into cyber space
    someplace, so I'll try again.

    I curently have a Vision R55 and previously had an R44. Both of my bikes had the same exact
    condition that you describe, however, the R55 is much worse.

    I'll share my experience and some things for you to try.

    If you are the only rider, once you are sure of the boom length, remove all that self adjusting
    stuff and shorten the chain accordingly.

    Next tighten the tension screw on the rear of the rear derailur to put more tension on the chain.

    Try to pedal in smooth circles to minimize chain bounce. I know, it is easier said than done.

    If it is just an occasional slap, I split a piece of clear vinyl tubing and tie strapped it to the
    bottom of the seat frame where the chain was hitting.

    When all else fails, Hostel Shoppe sells a kit, with a length of Teflon tubing and a clip, so you
    can add a chain tube. That is what I ultimately ended up doing with mine. It makes a little bit of
    noise, but it eleminated the chain slap and it also serves to keep your leg clean wih you are
    running in the big ring.

    Hope this helps.

    Joe "William Higley, Sr." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    news:<[email hidden]>...

    Quoted message said:

    I currently ride a Vision R-50. During the last few hundred miles I have had the chain slapping
    the underside of the seat frame. This only occurs when I am in the large gear on the chainring and
    the 3 largest gears on the cassette. This did not happen when I first got the bike.

    According to the chain checking tool I have I am at 50% of my allowable wear for the chain.

    What suggestions do you have?

    Thanks.

    William Higley, Sr., P.L.S. (Professional Land Surveyor ~ Are there any others out there?)
    Vision R-50

  7. I am not sure that the chain slap problem on a vision can be solved short of a chain tube. The new
    hostelshoppe bikes solve the problem by putting an additional idler under the seat. I find that I
    can do about 95% of my riding in the middle ring and that does not lead to chain slap.

    Brad V-R40

  8. put a piece of clear tubing, found at home improvement stores etc. on the seat rail it's hitting,
    slit it length wise and slip it right over. I've even used a slightly larger one on a Vision so it
    would rotate, like a small idler wheel, worked quite well.

    TBRADSTER said:

    I am not sure that the chain slap problem on a vision can be solved short of a chain tube. The new
    hostelshoppe bikes solve the problem by putting an additional idler under the seat. I find that I
    can do about 95% of my riding in the middle ring and that does not lead to chain slap.

    Brad V-R40

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