is chain line REALLY that important?
11-28-05, 08:25 PM
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is chain line REALLY that important?
i was just thinking today, i know having a straight chainline is ideal when running ss or fixed, it just makes sense, but i started thinking about it and multiple speed bikes, road, mtb, whatever... most of the time their chainline is off, it's only in certain combinations that it is actually straight... does the rear derailer have anything to do with it? is it really that important? just thinking about it.
11-28-05, 08:28 PM
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I recall reading somewhere that none other than noted US Olympic team mechanic and shop owner, Bill Ron, said that anything within 5mm of dead-on was fine.
I seriously doubt that any of my bikes have had perfect chainlines and I've never thrown a chain. YMMV.
I seriously doubt that any of my bikes have had perfect chainlines and I've never thrown a chain. YMMV.
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11-28-05, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by mcatano
I recall reading somewhere that none other than noted US Olympic team mechanic and shop owner, Bill Ron, said that anything within 5mm of dead-on was fine.
I seriously doubt that any of my bikes have had perfect chainlines and I've never thrown a chain. YMMV.
I seriously doubt that any of my bikes have had perfect chainlines and I've never thrown a chain. YMMV.
11-28-05, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by wearyourtruth
i was just thinking today, i know having a straight chainline is ideal when running ss or fixed, it just makes sense, but i started thinking about it and multiple speed bikes, road, mtb, whatever... most of the time their chainline is off, it's only in certain combinations that it is actually straight... does the rear derailer have anything to do with it? is it really that important? just thinking about it.
but a perfect chainline will be QUIETER and thats a huge factor... for me, atleast
11-28-05, 09:05 PM
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My track bike has a worse chainline than my conversion (ironic, isn't it?). I know this because when doing service on both of my wheels recently, I noticed a lot of wear on the side of the cog teeth from the track bike's wheel while not so much from the conversion. I also feel binding under load sometimes on the trackie and the conversion just seems to pedal easier, even though it has a slightly higher gear.
All this suggests to me me that you should sweat the small things.
All this suggests to me me that you should sweat the small things.
11-28-05, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bostontrevor
My track bike has a worse chainline than my conversion (ironic, isn't it?).
on my track, the inside of the spider on the miche cranks scrapes the chainstay if i try to get the chainline *perfect.* so i have to let it out a couple mm's more than i would like. again, poop. stupid 135bcd! if they were 144, the spider would be in the clear.
ooh, spiders...crawling all over the place!
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11-28-05, 09:17 PM
#9
hello
I simply eyeball all my chainlines. I never measure. None of my fixies have a dead on chainline.....and they all run quiet. 
Last edited by roadfix; 11-28-05 at 09:54 PM.
11-28-05, 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by wearyourtruth
most of the time their chainline is off, it's only in certain combinations that it is actually straight... does the rear derailer have anything to do with it?
11-28-05, 09:42 PM
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I find it funny when you're running the track and you can hear someone's 1/8" chain coming up behind you. I'm not sure if it's the chain size, alignment, lack or lube, or some combination....just gives me a little smile none the less.
11-28-05, 09:57 PM
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yeah, the sound of a 1/8th chain on a racing bike at speed is awesome!!!!
I decided to go 1/8th for my conversion so that I could hear that sound.
I decided to go 1/8th for my conversion so that I could hear that sound.
11-28-05, 10:03 PM
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before i made a few changes, my chain used to pop off once in awhile and it's at or b elow a mm off. i don't see how it could be 5 mm off and still function without destroying your components and being dangerous
11-28-05, 10:05 PM
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I'm not sure what that sound is, can someone spell it out phonetically?
11-28-05, 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by definition
I'm not sure what that sound is, can someone spell it out phonetically?
11-28-05, 10:26 PM
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ok so kindof like ffffzfffzfffzfffzfffz right?
11-28-05, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by MLPROJECT
before i made a few changes, my chain used to pop off once in awhile and it's at or b elow a mm off. i don't see how it could be 5 mm off and still function without destroying your components and being dangerous
11-29-05, 01:23 AM
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Originally Posted by r-dub
if you're tossing your chain at 1mm off, chainline is not your problem.
11-29-05, 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by r-dub
if you're tossing your chain at 1mm off, chainline is not your problem.
Originally Posted by jim-bob
Palabra a su madre.
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11-29-05, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by mcatano
I recall reading somewhere that none other than noted US Olympic team mechanic and shop owner, Bill Ron, said that anything within 5mm of dead-on was fine.
I seriously doubt that any of my bikes have had perfect chainlines and I've never thrown a chain. YMMV.
I seriously doubt that any of my bikes have had perfect chainlines and I've never thrown a chain. YMMV.
You may question why yanks didnt make the podium at the olympics with mechanics like that
oi! oi! oi!
11-29-05, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by ZappCatt
yeah, the sound of a 1/8th chain on a racing bike at speed is awesome!!!!
I decided to go 1/8th for my conversion so that I could hear that sound.
I decided to go 1/8th for my conversion so that I could hear that sound.
??? I mean, ???
A fixed gear should make no noise at all. Chain width is irrelevant.
