 I
can't over-emphasize the importance that you do not run your chain too
tight. AND, if you are used to adjusting your chain by sight/feel
and haven't done this procedure yet, you are in for a surprise at how much
slack these bikes need. Running your chain too tight loosens the
sprocket bolts, prematurely wears (or breaks) the chain and sprockets,
beats up on the transmission and wheel bearings and makes your suspension
bind up!
 Put
the bike on a stand, far enough forward that the rear wheel is suspended.
Unbolt and remove the shock. Cycle the suspension through its entire
stroke while feeling the chain slack. When properly adjusted it
should have a little slack even at it's tightest point, around 1/2 stroke.
For the above right picture, I have removed
the shock and I am holding the rear suspension off the floor with my foot
while taking the picture. That is about the tightest point in my
suspension travel, and I have set it so the chain just starts to go taught
there. The picture to the left shows the amount of chain slack with
the shock re-installed and the suspension topped out. Yes, the chain
makes a commotion when it is this loose, especially on a thumper, but at
half-travel it still goes tight.
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