OK, so I can't get my chain tension right because my #*(@&!^ wheel keeps slipping forward in the dropout. I even went to a car fixing place (what are those things called? i have no clue) and had them use their fancy air powered socket wrenches to bolt the wheel on tighter. still, one day later, and the chain's got that evil play to it again.

anyone know how to solve this? i was thinking it would help to take some sandpaper and get rid of the glossy grey paint to give it more grip, but that's all i can think of... it's just like the wheel's not gripping on the dropout.

get a chain tensioning device, like the Surly Tuggnut. I run one and really prefer it to resetting my wheel.

grrr.... more parts? i wanted less! damn them for building a frame that demands a tensioner. jerks.

nah, they didn't do it on purpose. consider it that you have pistons for legs
(plus - it is cheaper than a derailleur)

So your lack of ability translates into Surly being jerks? Bonus point for using an impact wrench for tightening the nuts, that oughta strip the threads.

Do your nuts look like these? The serrated part realy helps it dig into the frame and hold it's place.

Agreed. Bike+power tools = broken parts. Get the right tools or parts for the job. There are other chain tugs out there that are cheaper but they don't have built in bottle openers.

Actually those are two different types of nuts. On the left we have proper track nuts, on the right are serated nuts.

The serated edges do bite (chew) into the frame and should hold, though they can suck to tighten up as they can walk forward in the forkends.

The track nuts should hold just about as well but the base is actually a captured washer that doesn't rotate as you tighen down the nut, thus saving your dropouts/ends.

once you go slack, you never go back!!

i had some apple pie last night that was delicious.

Is your chain new? One thing to consider is that a new chain will stretch, so some of this slack could be caused by that.

What kind of hub are you running? I had real problems with the nuts on a Suzue basic hub. If its a cheapo hub like this then I would 2nd the suggestion to upgrade to proper track nuts.

I use hubs with genuine track nuts on my Steamroller. Absolutely no axle slippage......but a bit of chain slack, yes.

George

wait, i have crappy suzue hubs. can't i just get better track nuts?

My nuts

it's the surly flip flop-- though mind you i'm only running one side.

and i would die for a slice of rhubarb pie. no strawberries. just rhubarb. why must rhubarb have such a short growing season? why?

I am running the same, with the stock nuts (proper track nuts). popping a skid at speed would offset my wheel enough to annoy me. Viola - Tuggnut

Hmmm. That's the setup I just put on my new Steamroller. Maybe, I also need a Viola-Tuggnut.

Bass!

Tuna!

Your sarcasm is getting weak...must be the management in you.

Nut-pie is also very good

That's low. And my sarcasm is strong. It's Crispin Glover strong.

okay - you win this one

Is your chainring round? I had (well, still have...) a chain slack problem. Thought the rear wheel was scooting up. Then I examined the chainring and noticed it's not perfectly round. I just happened to be adjusting the chain when the chainring was at the tighest point in its rotation. I'd go out and ride it and there would be chain slack!

Owen

Checked-- this is exactly what's going on-- the chainring's not round. WHy the **** would the chainring not be round? i just don't get it. Maybe it wore uneven or something.

Either way, I'm snug and happy 3/4 of the crank, but 1/4 of it makes me scared to go downhill. And NO, i'm not getting a brake.

Strong like george mcfly?

You just like making me feel old.

Way back in 1987, Crispin Glover, dressed in wig and striped bell-bottoms appeared on Latenight with David Letterman. After exclaiming to Dave "I'm strong! And I can kick!," Crispin attempted to kick Dave in the head. NBC quickly cut to commercial, and when the show resumed, Crispin was gone. Google for more...