why can i "feel" my chain?
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
why can i "feel" my chain?
im sort of new to riding a fixed gear - i took off my chain, cleaned it, and put it back on last night. now, when i ride my bike, i can really "feel" the chain... especially when im riding slowly/coming to a rolling stop. it's like a vibration coming through my cranks. or maybe is it my bb? if i spin my pedals when im not actually riding (ie my bike upside-down on the floor), i can hear and feel it... any ideas of what this could be? everything is lubed and tightened. thanks
#5
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
I'm actually experiencing this as well. At first, I figured my chain was too tight. Put some slack in it and the sound is still there. I'm wondering if my chainline is just slightly off...could that be the cause?
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
I could be that the combination of cog/chainwheel/chain length is allowing the chain to vibrate along a fundamental frequency of the chain. I'm not sure this is even possible, just some brainstorming to help with ideas.
Oh, and most people don't realize how slack they can run their chain. Slack is good, as long as the chain can't jump off itself.
Oh, and most people don't realize how slack they can run their chain. Slack is good, as long as the chain can't jump off itself.
#12
Oh, you know...
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 0
From: DC
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Sports Tourer (Polo), S-Works E5 Team Festina (Chorus 11), Trek 2200 Bonded Carbon (Fixed), Trek 920 (7 speed IGH), Chesini Olimpiade SL (1x7)
#15
Its had to diagnose the problem without knowing how many miles are on your chain and other drive-train parts. Is the stuff all fairly new? It sounds to me like you chain is worn and needs replacement.
#17
Low car diet
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,407
Likes: 4
From: Corvallis, OR, USA
Bikes: 2006 Windsor Dover w/105, 2007 GT Avalanche w/XT, 1995 Trek 820 setup for touring, 201? Yeah single-speed folder, 199? Huffy tandem.
Was the chain removed and re-installed using a master/quick-link? If not, stiff link where it was re-joined?
#19
Arizona Dessert

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 15,029
Likes: 2,170
From: AZ
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
I've had new chains feel bumpy, like a faint sensation of each link engaging w/cog tooth - even with appropriate tension. Went away after 50mi or so.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Dublin, Ireland
I'm getting this from my chainline being off a few mills.. Everytime I ride, it reminds me to get it fixed!
Is it unusual for the back wheel to need to be at an angle to accomadate for the difference between the line-up? It's happening on mine, and means I'm cycling diagonally, kinda like this guy I see around town..
Is it unusual for the back wheel to need to be at an angle to accomadate for the difference between the line-up? It's happening on mine, and means I'm cycling diagonally, kinda like this guy I see around town..
#21
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA
Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle
I'm getting this from my chainline being off a few mills.. Everytime I ride, it reminds me to get it fixed!
Is it unusual for the back wheel to need to be at an angle to accomadate for the difference between the line-up? It's happening on mine, and means I'm cycling diagonally, kinda like this guy I see around town..

Is it unusual for the back wheel to need to be at an angle to accomadate for the difference between the line-up? It's happening on mine, and means I'm cycling diagonally, kinda like this guy I see around town..





