Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Brand new, first timer fixed gear. Need help w/ Jamis Sputnik

Hello all. I just bought a Jamis Sputnik fixed gear. I love it to death and I've only had it for a few hours.


There seems to be a problem with the chain alignment or tension. I don't know anything about singlespeeds or fixed gear bikes... so I need some help.

The drivetrain seems to make a lot of noise. The chain top half of the chain (part with the tension when pedaling forward) will vibrate when I'm going just the right speed. If I had to guess, and I am forced too, because of my ignorance, I'd say that the chainring needs to move a little bit away from the frame, but I'm not sure about all that. There is a tiny bit of "binding" in the chain if i turn the bike over and turn the pedals by hand, very slowly.

Thoughts? chain too tight?

Your description is completley ambiguous. Is the chain biding at a point or not? The chainline can't be out unless the shop you bought it from started replacing parts on it.

Please read about chain tension here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html#tension

Your sputnik comes with two set screws that help you get exact tension on the chain, be sure to lube/grease them if you don't want them to be seized after riding in the rain.

Trust me 2mm hex screw and seized is not something you want to be faced repairing.

I've read through that article. It's all slightly overwhelming to me right now. (working a big project that's leading me into 20+ hours of overtime a week) between that and sleep and biking, I don't really have time for learning anything new :cry: I digress.

It's probably too hard to describe with words. :D

take it to your lbs, they can usually tell you what the deal is without any cost.