Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - chain tension

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shishi

08-20-03, 09:46 AM

I recently got a flat and when I put the rear wheel back on my chain was too tight and made so much noise. Now it is looser but I can feel the lag in the chain when I back pedal to stop.

This was how i was running the chain before and it never fell off.
Since it is a fixie I figure I can get away with some chain lag since I am always pedaling.

Please let me know the best chain tension. I am running 39x16.

Thanks.

roadfix

08-20-03, 10:29 AM

Midway down the chain, I give it about a 1/4 inch max. slack. It's easy on the drivetrain and no fuss....

shrimpx

08-20-03, 03:10 PM

it's ok to feel a little bit of slack when you backpedal.
like george said, give it 1/4-1/2 inch slack at the tightest point in the rotation. that should keep it nice and quiet.