New(ish) bike chain slack when backpedalling or cruising

1. Why does my bike chain slack when I stop pedaling?
2. How much slack should a bike chain have?
3. Why is there slack in my bike chain?
4. How do I know if my bike chain is too loose?
5. Why does my chain go slack when I pedal backwards?
6. How much chain slack is too much?
7. How much slack should you have in a chain?
8. Why does my chain slip when I pedal hard?
9. Will a new motorcycle chain stretch?
10. Why does my chain keep loosening?
11. What is a bicycle freewheel?
12. What is a freehub on a bike?
13. Why do freewheels click?
14. Should you coast on a bike?
15. Can you pedal backwards on a single speed bike?
16. Why are some Freehubs so loud?
17. Should I grease freehub?
18. How do I know if my freehub needs replacing?

Why does my bike chain slack when I stop pedaling?

If your chain is getting slack on top when you stop pedalling or backpedal, then the problem is in your freehub (or freewheel, whichever you have), a dirty freehub will cause all the problems you've listed, even on a brand new bike.

How much slack should a bike chain have?

It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up. Chains often loosen when a bike does not have a derailleur. Derailleur is the gear changing mechanism towards the back of the bike.

Why is there slack in my bike chain?

Chains become loose for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is a new chain on an old bike. Older bikes obviously have older and more worn-down components. Placing a new chain on these worn-down parts can cause the chain to jump and slip around as you ride.

How do I know if my bike chain is too loose?

To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.

Why does my chain go slack when I pedal backwards?

When you pedal backwards, you pull on the bottom of the chain which pulls the derailleur forward. That creates chain slack. Some of that chain slack shows up on the top half of the chain as the chain links get dumped off the front chainring into space on the way backwards.

How much chain slack is too much?

Push up on the bottom of the chain and note the distance between the full-slack (lower) position and the no-slack (upper) position on the bottom . 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm) is typical for streetbikes, while dirt bikes may need 1.4–2.0 inches (35–50 mm) of slack.

How much slack should you have in a chain?

Chain slack should be adjusted to 2% of the chain span. It is essential to inspect such drives regularly for correct chain tension. Idlers are recommended. Slack should be on lower side when possible (D).

Why does my chain slip when I pedal hard?

The chain could be slipping due to natural weakening of the chain. Over time, the chain will stretch out and a loose chain means more slipping when pedaling hard. The chain could also be slipping if your cogs are word down. The cogs/crank also wear over time and can leave the chain with not much to "grab" on to.

Will a new motorcycle chain stretch?

A new motorcycle chain will appear to stretch during the first few rides after installation. However, a chain should not stretch too much immediately and might be defective if it continues to stretch or needs to be constantly adjusted.

Why does my chain keep loosening?

Your chain might simply be too old or can stretch over time. When this occurs you need to replace it. Consider that your loose chain also may be due to operator error. Exceeding the recommended gear range for the rear derailleur on your bike may lead to a droopy chain when you ride in these gears.

What is a bicycle freewheel?

The freewheel is a block of cogs that screws directly onto threads on the rear wheel. There is no need for it to be mounted onto a hub. It typically comes with anywhere between 1 to 7 cogs, and it is rare to find a freewheel on a modern bike. You do however find them on some new single-speed bikes.

What is a freehub on a bike?

The freehub is an extension of the right-hand side of the rear wheel's hub. It contains a system that engages with the wheel when you're pedalling, to propel you forward, and which disengages when you stop pedalling so that the wheel continues to turn without the gears and pedals turning.

Why do freewheels click?

When the freehub body is driven in the opposite direction, the pawls can't engage with the teeth of the drive ring, so it is able to spin freely. The pawls click up and down over the teeth, which is what produces the buzz of the freehub.

Should you coast on a bike?

Every time you go for a bike ride incorporate the basic concept – ride slightly harder uphill, easier downhill and coast when you are going faster than 30mph, or whatever your cruising speed is. You'll conserve energy and produce faster bike splits as a result.

Can you pedal backwards on a single speed bike?

A fixie will also allow you to move the pedals in the reverse direction and have the wheel spin backwards. If pedalling backwards allows the pedals to spin freely, or causes your bike to brake without moving the rear wheel in reverse, then you have a single speed.

Why are some Freehubs so loud?

Loudness in the freehub/freebody is usually due to the very light oil used to lubricate the inner parts. Thicker oil can be used to lessen the noise and even grease in some cases, but it's high viscosity is pointed at for not being so efficient.

Should I grease freehub?

The only real reason to apply grease to the freehub is as RustyIron mentioned, if there is creaking between the freehub and cassette interface. Personally I will very lightly grease a steel freehub, just enough to put a little shine on it. An aluminum freehub I'll leave dry.

How do I know if my freehub needs replacing?

Check the freehub for wear to see if it needs replacing or just cleaning and relubing. To do this, firmly grab the splined body and give it a wiggle. If it moves more than a couple of millimetres side to side, replace it. Otherwise, a good clean and oil will do fine.