Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - SS Conversion Woes

I need some guidence from those who know. That means you people of this venerable forum :>)

I commute on an Azonic DS1 (horizontal drop-outs) using a Shimano style cassete hub (disc) with spacers and BMX cog. To my eye the chainline is straight. The rear hub has a QR axle, and I have Redline chain tensioners. The front chainring is a 32t Salsa ss ring.

I having difficulty keeping the chain tight. I am thinking of micro adjusting the chain lenght using half links since it's the least expensive solution. What do you think of this? How do you get the chain on when it is at maximum tension? What am I missing?

Thanks

Kevin

To my eye the chainline is straight.
To the eye lots of things "appear" straight. Measure it to be for sure.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chainline.html


I having difficulty keeping the chain tight. I am thinking of micro adjusting the chain lenght using half links since it's the least expensive solution. What do you think of this? How do you get the chain on when it is at maximum tension? What am I missing?

How tight are you trying to keep it? You should have some slack in it. About 1/2-3/4 inch is good. If you run it tight it will wear your chainring/cogs faster and could also oval them.

Half links are good and will work.

Thanks for the reply. When the chain is so thight and the hub is right up against the drop-out stop, what is the best way to install the chain?

Thanks for the reply. When the chain is so thight and the hub is right up against the drop-out stop, what is the best way to install the chain?

Add a link!:p

I having difficulty keeping the chain tight.

If you can't get it quite as tight as you'd like and you're nervous about throwing the chain, consider leaving the front derailer on as a chain guide. You can position it so it effectively prevents the chain from being able to come off the ring.

It sounds like you're trying to put on the rear wheel, and then put the chain around the cog and chainring. You have to wrap the chain around the cog and chainring, and then pull the wheel back to tighten the chain and tighten the axle nuts. Experiment with proper chain tightness from there.