Track Cycling - Is this chain too slack

Been checkin this bike out. Being a multi-speed roadie looking to get his first track bike, something doesn't look right.

Is the chain too loose?

Yep that chain is definitely too loose :)


Hard to tell well you're just poking fun or are actually being serious. So just in case yer serious. Read this:
http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html#tension

If you're getting a 'track' bike for use on a velodrome, get one designed for racing on a velodrome rather than a converted road bike like this one. You will find track ends are much easier to deal with than dropouts, the geometry is tighter making the bike more responsive and a high bottom bracket will help with cornering on the banking.

you should take two or three links out probably. easy fix though.

I have a question regarding chains as well....I want to switch my front from a 52 to a 47, can I just use one of those chainlink things like this? (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441778017&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693523&bmUID=1152803985404) I ask because I want to use the 47 on the street and pop back the 52 when I try out the track. What is the best way to change the length of the chain? Thanks.

I have a question regarding chains as well....I want to switch my front from a 52 to a 47, can I just use one of those chainlink things... I ask because I want to use the 47 on the street and pop back the 52 when I try out the track. What is the best way to change the length of the chain? Thanks.
you might want to try sticking with one chainring size, and running a flip flop hub with different cogs. 47:14/16, for example. that way, you can run one chain length for both ratios.

edit: i just looked at your bike on fgg... you might want to rent a bike, because riding a converted road bike is going to SUCK on the track. also, bullhorns are only legal for pursuit races or time trial events. thirdly, i know saddle positioning is very personal, but wtf is up with yours? notice any wrist pain? fourth, i can't believe you removed the braze-ons from a decent road frame...

you might want to try sticking with one chainring size, and running a flip flop hub with different cogs. 47:14/16, for example. that way, you can run one chain length for both ratios.

edit: i just looked at your bike on fgg... you might want to rent a bike, because riding a converted road bike is going to SUCK on the track. also, bullhorns are only legal for pursuit races or time trial events. thirdly, i know saddle positioning is very personal, but wtf is up with yours? notice any wrist pain? fourth, i can't believe you removed the braze-ons from a decent road frame...

i do the same thing, except i have a dedicated track rear wheel. so 49x17 street, 49x15 track

fist off quik links never on a fixed gear those thing will pop like rice crispys

second don't change chain rings change cogs unless you are afraid you cross threaded that bad boy when you put it together

third get a real track frame before getting on a track

fourth get drop bars

this is just personal taste, and im not tryin to rip on your bike... but why would you get rid of that nice chrome steel fork, and put that other thing on?