Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - How much noise should a SS make?

I picked up a Bianchi San Jose about a week ago, and have noticed that there's some noise by the front chainwheel while I'm pedaling. (It almost sounds like the chain is rubbing against something, but I can't figure out where the noise is coming from) I was more accustomed to sounds like this on my old mountain bike because of derailleur problems, but I figured that a single-speed bike would be far more silent.

Is this worth going back to the bike shop for or are these sorts of noises typical?

maybe rubbing on the bash guard? maybe just needs to be lubed.

i've had both those problems cause noise on my SS's in the past

bash guard?

sound may be that the chain is too tight or needs to be lubed. some set ups are just noisier than others. has the noise changed at all over the week you've been riding it?

...aside from the sound, how do you like the San Jose?

i kinda have this too. it main happens when i push down on the right pedal. i just lubed the chain but maybe its on too tight? how do i choose the best tension?

bash guard?


the san jose has a guard where the outside chainring would sit to protect the chain, your pants, whatever... on freeride bikes it's called a bashguard. on my MTB my chain used to rub against mine, which was a bit of an annoyance

...aside from the sound, how do you like the San Jose?

Aside from the sound (and another problem with a broken hub spacer), the bike has been excellent. I haven't had any other road or SS bikes to compare it to, but it's an incredible improvement over the MTB that I'd been riding.

Chain lube and backing off on the tension a bit may help. Also keep in mind that with a brand new drivetrain everything hasn't worn into everything else yet. It may pipe down a bit a few hundred kms down the road. Every track or fixed bike Ive ridden makes a little "rnnn.... rnnn" type noise when you really torque on the cranks.

PS I want a san jose

the san jose has a guard where the outside chainring would sit to protect the chain, your pants, whatever... on freeride bikes it's called a bashguard. on my MTB my chain used to rub against mine, which was a bit of an annoyance

yeah, i know what bash guards are, but couldn't imagine one on a road bike ;)
even Googled a pic of the SJ, but either it wasn't there or I just couldn't make it out.

so, just to get back on track: adjust! lube! ride! and everything will work out.

so, just to get back on track: adjust! lube! ride! and everything will work out.

Will do, thanks!

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8329/cranklg1.png
it's there, guess it would be a nice thing to have if anyone actually does cyclocross on one.

i also second loosening up the tension a smidge

I picked up a Bianchi San Jose about a week ago, and have noticed that there's some noise by the front chainwheel while I'm pedaling. (It almost sounds like the chain is rubbing against something, but I can't figure out where the noise is coming from) I was more accustomed to sounds like this on my old mountain bike because of derailleur problems, but I figured that a single-speed bike would be far more silent.

Is this worth going back to the bike shop for or are these sorts of noises typical?


I'll bet you it is the bashring/chain guard/whatever-you-want-to-call-it that your chain is rubbing against. I have read about this issue from other San Jose owners. Do a San Jose search here and you should find it. IIRC, it's a pretty easy fix. I guess I'm lucky that my San Jose didn't have this issue.

P.S. I have bashed the bashring against some stumps and other crap while riding off road. It's held up just fine so far.

ooh glad my san jose doesn't do this.