Hey folks, I'm new to fix riding and I've noticed that my chain changes tension a lot while I ride, even more when I flip over my bike and quickly alternate pedaling directions. Is this normal? I've been told that excessive chain slack can be a real nasty problem for a fix rider.....

If this is a problem, does anybody know how to correct it?

First off, you should be riding a frame with horizontal or diagnoal dropouts for the rear wheel. You should adjust the chain tension whenever you get excessive slack in the chain. When you run out of dropout space, take a link out of the chain or replace the chain.

Hi
Slack chains on a fixed bike are lethal, especially if you are not using a quarter inch chain. There should be no more than a half-inch deflection when you push the chain down in its mid-point. Try the old track rider's trick of turning your bike horizontal and spinning the pedals. If the chain wants to come off, tighten it.

if its changing tention you have stiff links. get a new chain. or remove it, soak it in wd 40 for a few hours, clean it with a shop rag, find any stiff links and bend it just a little left to right, then wax or use a good chain wax.