Cannondale TANDEM Owner's Manual Supplement - page 15
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Periodically, the tension of the timing chain must be checked. The tension should be maintained at 1/2” of total vertical
deflection. Normal chain wear and stretch will cause the tension to change over time.
How to adjust the timing chain tension:
1. CLeAn AnD LUBRICAte tHe tIMInG CHAIn. Cleaning and lubricating the chain will give result in the best measurement.
Ask your Cannondale Dealer about chain care and available products (tools, cleaners, lubricants).
2. MeAsURe tHe tensIon - On the upper length of the chain in the middle of the front and rear timing chainrings, move
the chain up and down. You should be able to lift it up 1/4” and move it down 1/4.” This is 1/2” vertical deflection.
6.4mm (1/4")
6.4 mm (1/4")
Turn the crank to rotate the wheel so you can check the chain tension at different links of the chain at the same
midpoint. If the chain seems tighter in some places, it may be an indication of chain damage or some other problem.
Have the chain replaced or the damage repaired before attempting any adjustment. If the chain is in good condition
continue to step 3.
3. ADJUst tHe tensIon - Insert a 4 mm Allen key through the thread cap into the eccentric fixing bolt and turn it counter-
clockwise to loosen the eccentric. After the first turn or so, the wedge bolt will feel loose then it may seem to tighten as it
pushes the wedge backward freeing up the eccentric to rotate in the BB shell. When the wedge is loose and the eccentric
assembly is free to rotate within the bottom bracket shell , insert the end of an Allen key into one of the eccentric holes
and rotate it until the correct vertical chain deflection is reached. See next figure. The centering bolt of the eccentric
locates on the face of the bottom bracket shell on the drive side to center the assembly. The centering bolt is not an
adjustment; do not remove it.
4. RetIGHten tHe FIXInG BoLt - When the chain tension is set, tighten the wedge bolt to the specified torque.
WARNING
InCoRReCt CHAIn tensIon ADJUstMent CAn CAUse YoU to HAVe An ACCIDent. A chain that it too loose
can come off and a chain that is too tight can bind, break or accelerate wear on other parts . Both conditions
can lead to an accident.
If you do not understand these instructions or are unable to complete them as
described, please have the performed by a professional bike mechanic.
Adjusting the timing Chain tension