I’ve got a rigid frame and if I don’t set the chain to A LOT of slack before fighting the axle nut, the chain will be way too tight. Am I missing something? Or is something wicked off? I know the chain tightens after doing the axle nut, but should it be “a lot”?
Snug up the axle bolts lightly (I do it by hand) and put a heavy zip tie or two on the chain so you can pinch it to the amount of slack you want. Then torque the axle nuts and cut off the zip ties.