Ive heard lots of reasons for tight/loose chains from bike shops and on forums. Sprocket out of round, cheap freewheel, old chain etc.
My theory is that the precision (quality) of the hub affects the chain tightness/looseness.
If the freewheel hub threads arent machined exactly dead centre then the freewheel is also not dead centre causing tight/loose spots in the chain as the hub spins when pedaling and coasting.
I want ALL you guys to flip your bikes over and spin the back wheel and check if the chain moves up and down halfway between the front & rear cogs. Post the hub and freewheel brand and how much the chain moved up n down.
ie Suzue sealed, SunTour BMX freewheel, 3mm.
The more data the better. I am assuming that the better quality brands are more precise. Profile, Campy. My theory should also apply to cassette hubs too.
I am also assuming each of us has 10-15 bikes
