London Fixed-gear and Single-speed

fresh · 22nd July 2008

Sorry if I'm repeating something that's been discussed on other threads, but I'm having a right mare getting my chain tension right. There seems to be next to nothing between too tight (so that it 'chugs' and trembles at low speeds), and too slack that I just can't get the instant reaction. I've seen a lot worse though and always wonder how people cope having it sagging like that.

I'll be at the Trixie Dix thing tonight if anybody fancies having a look in person.

justMouse · 22nd July 2008

What drop outs do you have?

I've just put a chain tug on cos I got fed up with tightening it every coupla weeks. Check that tension - loverly:

I have a spare if you're interested...

fresh · 22nd July 2008

I've got horizontal dropouts as it's an old 5 speed road bike conversion. Thanks for the offer, but I don't think that would work on mine.

You're right though. Loverly tension.

justMouse · 22nd July 2008

Hehe...how sad am I ;-)

31t®um · 22nd July 2008

very :p

tomiskinky · 22nd July 2008

I found a device that helps me get a decent tension on my bridgestone. I can't find tugs to fit my frame (see other posts) so have to do without.

Anyway, I have some of those rubber door stops in my flat to keep the doors open, they are also very good to push between the frame and tire - pushing the wheel back, and you can then choose how much tension you want. seems to work for me.

Will_s87 · 22nd July 2008

I don't want to start a new thread...

Any pointers on how to centre a chainring on a set of cranks. I have done the sheldon brown method but it had little effect. There is quite a difference between tight and slack (chain) on my bike at the moment.

Is it likely the cranks are bent? The chainring is a TA Alize brought as new.

deadly fanny pack · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will_s87

I don't want to start a new thread...

Any pointers on how to centre a chainring on a set of cranks. I have done the sheldon brown method but it had little effect. There is quite a difference between tight and slack (chain) on my bike at the moment.

Is it likely the cranks are bent? The chainring is a TA Alize brought as new.

it is unlikely that the cranks are bent, but if they are it should be easy to see.
If you spin them they should wobble.

I havent seen the Sheldon menthod of chainring fitting. But Id just say use common sense, leave the bolts half tight and give it a few spins with a snug chain on, it should centre itself, then tighten up at opposite corners.

You should even have to do this if you have a modern/decent pair of cranks, as the chainrings fit very accurateley anyway.

Will_s87 · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeletonboy

it is unlikely that the cranks are bent, but if they are it should be easy to see.
If you spin them they should wobble.

I havent seen the Sheldon menthod of chainring fitting. But Id just say use common sense, leave the bolts half tight and give it a few spins with a snug chain on, it should centre itself, then tighten up at opposite corners.

You should even have to do this if you have a modern/decent pair of cranks, as the chainrings fit very accurateley anyway.

Too right man, I've done all these things multiple times! But I can't see anything obvious... I don't want to cunt 150 on Suginos and a ring if it isn't going to remedy anything.

Edit, Sheldon method is as you stated.

flyingpig · 23rd July 2008

I got taught a method by an old bloke who's been riding fixed since gad was a lad, he said to loosen both side of the hub, pull the chain side back as far as you hand can stand and tighten the nut on that side, this will have pulled your wheel out of line. Then pulling the wheel into line will add a little more tension to the chain. Just the right amount so far as i can see. Hope this helps. If anyone has any reasons this will kill my bike, please tell me before it does.

justMouse · 23rd July 2008

My 2p: if you've got tight geometry, you can wedge anything between seat-tube and wheel to get tension in the chain. However, it will slip especially if you skid stop. Get a chain tug and you don't have to retension every couple of weeks.

nimhbus · 23rd July 2008

yup, chain tugs make it much easier and better

Skully · 23rd July 2008

Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!

justMouse · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skullhead

Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!

Clearly you're not skidding with enough committment ;-)

Shinscar · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skullhead

Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!

+1

reported just in case you say something later report worthy

Skully · 23rd July 2008

Skidding's for wankers

justMouse · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinscar

+1

So you don't want that MKS chain tug off me, eh?

@ Skully: yer mum! (and stuff).

Skully · 23rd July 2008

My mums skids are a wankers wet dream

Skully · 23rd July 2008

report THAT ray

Shinscar · 23rd July 2008

ooo angry skully... and reported.

shootthebreeze · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinscar

ooo angry skully...

yeah... and I know why.
let it go Skully...let it go

ChrisNW · 25th July 2008

See this post I did a while ago. If you can understand the garbage I wrote its something to use in conjunction with the sheldon method.

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread4742...don#post143107

hippy · 25th July 2008

Chain tension is overrated.

Slack is the new black.

adoubletap · 25th July 2008

I've got a fancy drivetrain that can cope with a chain that's "toight like a toiger" but track slack is where it's at.

ChrisNW · 25th July 2008

I must be right up with the kids. My chains as slack as a ....(insert slack thing here)....

I screwed a perfectly decent shiny new chain recently by persistently overtightening. It made some horrible scary noises on its way out that I don't want to hear again soon.

ChrisNW · 25th July 2008

Slack, but consistently slack is where it's at

deadly fanny pack · 26th July 2008

I want a slack chain, but how can I achieve it without it falling off?

oh and to will:

I just realised if your chainline is out, and your chain is fairly tight, you will get a tight spot at your crankarm point, or you may have bent the chainring slightly.

22nd July 2008	#1
fresh	Chain tension Sorry if I'm repeating something that's been discussed on other threads, but I'm having a right mare getting my chain tension right. There seems to be next to nothing between too tight (so that it 'chugs' and trembles at low speeds), and too slack that I just can't get the instant reaction. I've seen a lot worse though and always wonder how people cope having it sagging like that. I'll be at the Trixie Dix thing tonight if anybody fancies having a look in person.
	quote reply

Bookmarks	Shortcuts
Digg del.icio.us StumbleUpon Facebook Reddit Google	Posts	Categories

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Chain tension	Cuppa T	General	17	28th May 2008 13:30
Chain tension?	noelpt	Mechanics & Fixin'	8	3rd May 2008 08:24
Chain Tension	RichC	Mechanics & Fixin'	14	17th April 2008 20:52
Chain Tension	James1822	Mechanics & Fixin'	20	27th February 2008 22:04
Chain Tension	Nicholas	Mechanics & Fixin'	22	19th September 2007 00:06

22nd July 2008	#2
justMouse	What drop outs do you have? I've just put a chain tug on cos I got fed up with tightening it every coupla weeks. Check that tension - loverly: I have a spare if you're interested...
	quote reply

22nd July 2008	#6
tomiskinky	I found a device that helps me get a decent tension on my bridgestone. I can't find tugs to fit my frame (see other posts) so have to do without. Anyway, I have some of those rubber door stops in my flat to keep the doors open, they are also very good to push between the frame and tire - pushing the wheel back, and you can then choose how much tension you want. seems to work for me.
	quote reply

22nd July 2008	#7
Will_s87	I don't want to start a new thread... Any pointers on how to centre a chainring on a set of cranks. I have done the sheldon brown method but it had little effect. There is quite a difference between tight and slack (chain) on my bike at the moment. Is it likely the cranks are bent? The chainring is a TA Alize brought as new.
	quote reply

23rd July 2008	#10
flyingpig	I got taught a method by an old bloke who's been riding fixed since gad was a lad, he said to loosen both side of the hub, pull the chain side back as far as you hand can stand and tighten the nut on that side, this will have pulled your wheel out of line. Then pulling the wheel into line will add a little more tension to the chain. Just the right amount so far as i can see. Hope this helps. If anyone has any reasons this will kill my bike, please tell me before it does.
	quote reply

23rd July 2008	#12
nimhbus	yup, chain tugs make it much easier and better
	quote reply

23rd July 2008	#13
Skully	Chain tugs are for wankers. Just do the bolts up properly!
	quote reply

23rd July 2008	#20
Shinscar	ooo angry skully... and reported.
	quote reply

25th July 2008	#22
ChrisNW	See this post I did a while ago. If you can understand the garbage I wrote its something to use in conjunction with the sheldon method. http://www.londonfgss.com/thread4742...don#post143107
	quote reply

25th July 2008	#23
hippy	Chain tension is overrated. Slack is the new black.
	quote reply

25th July 2008	#24
adoubletap	I've got a fancy drivetrain that can cope with a chain that's "toight like a toiger" but track slack is where it's at.
	quote reply

26th July 2008	#27
deadly fanny pack	I want a slack chain, but how can I achieve it without it falling off? oh and to will: I just realised if your chainline is out, and your chain is fairly tight, you will get a tight spot at your crankarm point, or you may have bent the chainring slightly.
	quote reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)