I am new to single speed and just bought a San Jose. I love it but the chain seems to be rubbing against the chainguard. I can see the nicks it's put in the paint and the chain is super noisy when I pedal. I know it will wear out the chain fast too. I want to fix it myself. Any advice?

is it just in one place?
bend it back.
Is it always right at the back?
read sheldon browns chainline article
Is it rubbing everywhere?
buy some chainring spacers.

my wifes san jose did the same thing, i bent it a little where it was rubbing which helped some, but the stock el cheapo chain it came with had pins that protruded out almost a mm on each side of the chain. swithced it to a sram PC 58 and no more noise.

That chain guard was the second thing to get removed from my San Jose, right after the OEM pedals, and right before the seat.

Yeah, the pedals are really cheapy plastic things aren't they? But I actually think the seat is pretty comfortable. I was thinking about taking the chain guard off entirely, but maybe I'll just do the spacers. I must confess I kinda like the look of the guard. Now keeping in mind I'm a total newbie, it looks like the chain guard comes off without having to deal with the crank, right?

Correct. You will either have to replace the chainring bolts with shorter single-stack bolts, or else grind down the nuts so that it doesn't bottom out. You should be able to do it with just an allen wrench and a slotted screwdriver.

Ok, thanks, I get it now. I took the chainguard off and took a look and I see what happens with the bolts. I'll pick a set up. Thanks everyone!

i had to do the same to mine, it drove me mad.