I was wondering if maybe someone here could lend some help to this wall i've run into. I am trying to convert my trusty old trek road frame that i've had forever, into a fixed gear. I purchased a phil hub that is spaced to 126 (the correct size for my trek), installed cog etc, and bolted on the rear wheel. I removed the outer chainring from the previous double that was on there because on sight it looks like the inner lines up pretty well.




I was adjusting the chain length, as i have done in the past and realized that the chain is just too loose, it looks like removing one link will cause the hub to have to move too far forward, and apparently these horizontal droupouts arent really that long (at least not long enough to support that). So, first question is Is there someplace that i can get a half-link that will work with this type of chain? (Kool Chain). Or is there a manufacturer that makes a chain that has different chain link lengths, that might result in smaller, removable units?




The second (related) wall is that i was hoping to run a larger chainring (46) that what is on there now (42) but it looks like running that inner chainring will not allow me to, leading to a situation where the chainring will rub against the right chainstay. any idea how to get around this? using the outer chainring will screw up the chainline. The phil wood hub has these fixed width axel caps that prevent any play in any direction, so i dont think there is much wiggle room there. Perhaps i will need to get a whole new bottom bracket? i dont know if that will work even.




any input is greatly appreciated. Hope these photos help illustrate what i am talking about.