I’m running the right chain length but could it be the clutch is set too tight in the mech? When pushing the seat down to compress the shock, the drivetrain “ticks” as though it’s under strain. Also on steep climbs in low gears it does the same on pedal strokes. I’m thinking the clutch is set too tight, but I don’t want to slacken it to the point of rendering it useless. Anyone else had this issue?

What frame, shock and mech?

Hammerhead Thumper 29er, Fox Float CTD, SLX medium cage clutch, 1 x 10.

Does it do it with the clutch switched off? Or if you take the chain off the rings?

Did you size the chain with the shock compressed/removed?

Doesn’t do it with the clutch off, which is why I think that’s the issue, but the clutch isn’t overly tight.

Sounds like the clutch is dry.
Switch off clutch, remove cover, grease clutch and pop cover back on. Quick and easy!