Chain alignment tool

[garynortheast]

At the risk of starting yet another argument (not my intention!) would anyone care to give me their assessment of these Laser 5051 (http://www.impresstools.com/Product-detail.asp?code=5051%20&productid=125835&site=Google-shopping-UK)chain alignment tools? Lozzo, YC, Rictus, Spannerman, what's your opinion? I'm a little dubius as to the accuracy of these particular tools but I'd appreciate a second opinion.

[Sid Squid]

I'm not sure of the value of that tool, by which I mean perfectly good wheel alignment can be achieved without spending money on such items.
Which is not to say that it wouldn't work just fine - I'm sure it does, I just consider it un-necessary.
We all know that the SV, like many other bikes, has wheel alignment marks that aren't fantastic, and that with the SV in particular the amount the plate on the left moves around under the spindle nut it can be hard to judge with perfect accuracy. But simply sighting from the front wheel to the rear will give alignment that is plenty good enough. If in doubt string or a straight edge can be used. And, most importantly, once alignment has been established don't lose it, when adjusting the chain turn each adjuster the same amount.

[timwilky]

I personally wouldn't go for a gizmo like that. But then I only go for rear wheel alignment.

I use a engineers variation on the string.

I have two lengths of box section that I have fitted threaded bar through.

This allows me to lightly clamp it either side (front/back) of the rear wheel and to then measure the gaps at the front wheel. Of course you have to have a straight frame and straight box section. But takes 2 minutes to attach and personally I think a lot more accruate

[rictus01]

I was treated to the magnetic laser tool some years ago, you stick it on the rear sprocket, think I used it twice, it's gathering dust somewhere now.

Pretty much as Sid squid says, it's easy enough to do with other methods I personally wouldn't bother.

Cheers Mark

[garynortheast]

Thanks guys, pretty much reinforces what I'd already thought.