Drive noise...
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Drive noise...
OK... I'm new here, and new to the fixed gear, thus the question.
I'm running 170 Sugino RD Cranks (48T), a 3/32 17T rear and a 1/8 scram chain on a Steamroller with Velocity hubs laced to Deep V's. When I'm going forward zero sound from the drive, but when I back pedal or put evan a little resistance on my spin it starts to rattle a bit (for lack of better wording regarding the actual sound). Should I hear this? Everything I can think of is tightened up, and the chain is lubed. Also, I get a rattle from the chain when the bike is upsidedown doing maintenance. Chainline is good. And the LBS told me it would NOT be a problem to run a 3/32 cog with a 1/8 chain.
Everything seem to be running fine, I guess I'm just annoyed that my new bike makes this noise, and a little paranoid that something bad will happen while I'm in traffic. Thoughts?
I'm running 170 Sugino RD Cranks (48T), a 3/32 17T rear and a 1/8 scram chain on a Steamroller with Velocity hubs laced to Deep V's. When I'm going forward zero sound from the drive, but when I back pedal or put evan a little resistance on my spin it starts to rattle a bit (for lack of better wording regarding the actual sound). Should I hear this? Everything I can think of is tightened up, and the chain is lubed. Also, I get a rattle from the chain when the bike is upsidedown doing maintenance. Chainline is good. And the LBS told me it would NOT be a problem to run a 3/32 cog with a 1/8 chain.
Everything seem to be running fine, I guess I'm just annoyed that my new bike makes this noise, and a little paranoid that something bad will happen while I'm in traffic. Thoughts?
#2
manager of pistahut
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '04 Steamroller; '05 Bareknuckle
nothing bad will happen. the reason is probably because your chain is bigger than the cog and chainring. 1/8 is a larger chain than 3/32, therefor the sound comes from the slack being picked up from the oversized chain on the smaller teeth. Either way, fixed gear bikes are a bit loud, or at least generate some sort of noise from the drivetrain. The only thing that could be bad is premature wear on the gears due to the oversized chain. 1/8 will work on 3/32 but not vice versa. just get a uniform set and you'll be better off.
#3
If you don't look good...
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: PHX
Bikes: 1993 Cannondale Track
My friend broke his 3/32 so I put one of my 1/8's on there and it was like chatter city on that bike. Put a full 1/8 drivetrain on there, you'll be glad you did. Solid and quiet.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 962
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
You said "rattle", and that's a good description of the normal noise a fixed gear makes. Sometimes they are silent, when the chain is freshly lubed and the tension is just right, and the planets are aligned and the moon is full, the teeth will mesh perfectly with the chain. But, more likely, there will be a small rattle.
Now, if you said "grinding", or "chirping", that would indicate a problem.
New chains can be noisy at first, then quiet down after a few rides.
Now, if you said "grinding", or "chirping", that would indicate a problem.
New chains can be noisy at first, then quiet down after a few rides.





