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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Adjusting Chain Tension

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bike manhattan

05-26-10, 12:58 AM

My method:

Pull the back wheel back as far as I can with chain connected to cog and crank, wheel being held back between legs, tighten bolts evenly and ensure there is no rubbing.

Am I missing something or is this the best way to got a decent amount of chain tension on a fixed gear?

I did this today (because I installed new tires) and chain tension seems good but I am wondering if there is a tried and true method to this madness.

Dr. Banzai

05-26-10, 01:35 AM

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?648487-Chain-noise-caused-by-overly-tightened-chain

As discussed there, you should have the chain literally .25mm away from having ANY tension.

Try this: index fingers on the axle nuts, thumbs on the track ends. Press together and spin the nuts tight keeping the thumbs on the track end. Make sure the axle doesn't move. Tighten the drive side first. Align wheel and tighten the non drive side. Done.

Ride.

Tomo_Ishi

05-26-10, 03:20 AM

I used to "walk" the rear wheel backward till I get 1cm slack at the tightest places. Some people told me to put a hand between the frame and the wheel to do the same thing. That works fine too. Now I have a Tuggernut so half my work is always done. Plus I memorized where the tight spots are so it's even more easier.

ichitz

05-26-10, 08:39 AM

Try this: index fingers on the axle nuts, thumbs on the track ends. Press together and spin the nuts tight keeping the thumbs on the track end. Make sure the axle doesn't move. Tighten the drive side first. Align wheel and tighten the non drive side.
this

The Messenger

05-26-10, 09:05 AM

I must have developed a bad habit from my old BMX days. I wedge a piece of wood between the tire and frame, center the wheel and tighten the nuts. lol

Scrodzilla

05-26-10, 09:50 AM

I adjust my chain tension with my mind.

ilikebikes

05-26-10, 11:49 AM

I adjust my mind with my chain tension. ;0)

Tomo_Ishi

05-26-10, 11:05 PM

I adjust my chain tension with my mind.

Man you are full of super human power, aren't you? So you cut your chains with a lightsaber or something?

hairnet

05-27-10, 01:54 AM

I felt like an idiot trying to adjust my tension before I did SHeldon's method to even out the chainring. Now I can just pull the wheel back and tighten