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drivetrain
The Cheetah is fitted with two chains, the
pedal chain and the motor chain. There is a
specific way to tighten each chain. Dillenger
recommends that the pedal chain tension is
set first.
It is essential that the chain has the correct
tension. If the chain is too tight, it will
require extra force to get the bike moving.
In addition, you run the risk of damaging
the motor, wheel bearings, chainwheels or
bottom bracket bearings. If the chain is too
loose it may come off.
The way that the chains are arranged means that the adjustment of the pedal chain affects the
tension on the motor chain. The adjustment of the motor chain however, does not affect the
pedal chain. For this reason,
Dillenger recommends setting the pedal chain tension first.
Pedal chain
to tighten the pedal chain, undo the axle nuts a little so that the axle is free to
move, and then do the same for the drum brake housing, you can now use the chain tensioner
to either tighten or slacken the chain. Tighten is so that it is firm but not drum-tight. You should
be able to move it up and down 10-15mm in total, so 5mm up then 5mm down. Also make sure
that you adjust the non-chain side to keep the rear wheel straight in the frame.
Motor Chain
With the pedal chain tension set, the motor chain can now be adjusted. This is a
simple adjustment. To start, undo the lower of the two nuts as this will release the tension in the
system.
Fault
Solution
Chain is too loose
Move the top nut up towards the bottom of the bike further than
you need, then move the lower nut up until the chain tension
you need is achieved. Once you have the chain tension set, bring
the top nut back down and tighten it to the plate. Tightening the
top nut will then lock the motor plate in position.
Chain is too tight
If the chain is too tight then move the lower nut down until the
desired chain tension is achieved. Lock this in position by tight-
ening the top nut in place.