Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - disadvantage to super tight chain?

Are there any disadvantages to having a really tight chain? I have a flip flop hub with both sides at 16t. My half link chain is the perfect size for the fixed gear side, but really really tight if I put it on the freewheel side. It still works, there's just literally no slack. I'm assuming that this can lead to a higher chance of snapping my chain? I'm riding a bike with vertical dropouts, so unless I do file down my axle a little, I can't really change the tension.

You won't snap your chain but your drivetrain will wear a lot quicker than if you had a little bit of chain slack.

with the wheel off the ground, do the pedals spin freely, or does it bind in a certain position?

It can be noisy, but if your chain doesn't bind up in any part of the revolutions then you should be ok until your chain stretches and can no longer accomodate the vertical dropouts.

Basically, get a new frame suitable for FG/SS.

well the chain's tight enough to stop the pedals from moving when I spin them. I know I should get a new frame, but I just did a custom paint job on this before I realized the vertical dropouts would be a problem.

if you actually intend to ride the bike a lot, the magic chain length really isnt a good long term solution. if you dont put many miles on the bike, and just ride it occasionally, then you're probably OK. as mentioned, too much chain tension will wear everythng quicker, and stretch the chain more quickly, which will lead to a problem since you have no tension adjustment anyway.

two solutions, which are readily available are an eccentric bottom bracket or rear hub, either of which are designed to allow for chain tension adjustment for vertical dropout frames.

well the chain's tight enough to stop the pedals from moving when I spin them. I know I should get a new frame, but I just did a custom paint job on this before I realized the vertical dropouts would be a problem.

It's always much better to do something, then research.

/LessonLearned

There's still hope for the frame by filing the dropouts. All you need is 1/4".

/LessonLearned

never forget

There's still hope for the frame by filing the dropouts. All you need is 1/4".

Bad idea.

How about a half-link in the chain?

You could run a longer chain with a tensioner.

Bad idea.


+1

Just think about what you're suggesting. It should be clear why it's not advisable.

You could use an eccentric bottom bracket or rear hub, but I doubt your frame is worth the expense.

A chain tensioner would work, but they're pretty lame.

+1

Just think about what you're suggesting. It should be clear why it's not advisable.

It really depends on the dropout. I've seen plenty of old frames that have more than enough meat of the dropouts for 1/4" of filing.

It really depends on the dropout. I've seen plenty of old frames that have more than enough meat of the dropouts for 1/4" of filing.

There is likely enough material that you can remove 1/4". However, I wouldn't have confidence in most shade tree mechanics to remove material from both dropouts so as to retain proper wheel alignment. At least not one who had a custom paint job done on a bike with vertical dropouts for use with a SS drivetrain.

I do see your point. :)

a white industries eno hub is the answer here. it's a bit expensive, but if you get a good rear wheel it can be around for a very long time.

I have a flip flop hub with both sides at 16t. My half link chain is the perfect size for the fixed gear side, but really really tight if I put it on the freewheel side.

This makes no sense though.

This makes no sense though.

yeah that is a bit confusing, since they have the same number of teeth. Is it just the alignment that makes it tighter?

It makes sense. I have two 46t chainrings and one makes my chain tighter. I thought it was weird too, but you can't expect every company to make things exactly the same i suppose.

Uh huh.

the 16t freewheel is ever so slightly larger than the 16t cog, so it makes it tighter. Seeing as how this bike is just a commuter that I'll use for rides of no more than like 5 miles, I'm not gonna be buying an expensive rear hub. I did the paint job myself on the bike. I'll probably just do what sheldon brown recommended, file down the axle a little.

One of my feet is slightly larger than the other.

One of my feet is slightly larger than the other.

Meet too actually.

Everyone, actually.

My dreads are all different lengths.

my dreads are all different lengths.

bs, can i get a fact check please!!!

Since it binds, you will definitely wear your chain out quicker. If it doesn't spin freely, you are losing a fair amount of power to the drive train. Track racers actually keep their chain pretty loose to minimize friction loss, but street riders need a tighter drivetrain to minimize slop when backpedling.

You can file down you wheel or your frame a little to give yourself more room for adjustment (its not that hard, I’ve done it). Or, you can find the tight spot on your chainring and reset your chainring so the highspot is not so tight. For me, filing down the frame/wheel is a bit easier. I took the wheel route as described on the Sheldon Brown website.