Drop out question - how close is too close?
 

i'm very new to single speed/fixed. I just finished my first conversion a month or so ago. I had been using the original chain (read: old) but decided to replace it. Upon replacing, I cut the chain to about the same length as the original, but it ended up being slightly shorter. The result is that now the axle rests quite close to the bottom of the drop out. The nut is not hanging over the edge or anything, but I would say that the flange of it is right at the edge. now, i may be answering my own question here, but logic and physics lead me to believe that this is no big deal because weight from riding will always push upward on the wheel. So, unless i don't tighten the nuts enough and do some jumping, i should be ok, right?

As i said, i'm a newb on this stuff, so any thoughts you have a greatly appreciated. Sorry, no pic. i'm writing this late at night. i will post a pic tomorrow if folks think it's necessary.

Im pretty new too, though I have had a little chain issue in the past. You want to make sure that you dont have your chain too tight, otherwise youll get some noise while riding. I had my front tire fly off once when I was 16, since then I have been a bit paranoid when it comes to wheels. I would say run the old chain until you can get another, just my opinion. Good luck!

i can add additional links from the new chain, if necessary. I just would rather not (honestly, just laziness at this point - i kind of want to be "done" with it). this new chain rides super quiet.

Too "lazy" to take 45 seconds to add a link or two to your chain? What will you ever do if you get a flat?

changing a flat would be a necessity. i'm trying to determine whether changing the drop out placement is also a necessity. Thanks for your help! :thumb:

From the sound of it he's talking about a road frame conversion, ala forward facing dropouts, so changing a tire wont be an issue, but to many skids+bolts not being cranked down and your wheel will slide forward....although i doubt it would fall off before you noticed it moving, you should be fine, but an extra link shouldn't hurt

I meant that adding a link to a chain doesn't require as much effort as changing a flat, regardless of which way your dropouts are facing.

you aren't going to want to hear this but... you should lengthen your chain.

But why should he add any links? Assuming these are horizontal dropouts, I can't see any problem with what's described.

I would say there's more of a reason to with horizontal dropouts than track ends. One gnarly pot hole and who the hell knows what could happen? And in any case if there is a reason to post this thread then why not just add a couple links and put the axle in a safer position?

Oh Gotcha:thumb:

He most likely just needs to add a half link to center the wheel. My wheel and chain are set the same way in the drop out and there is no safety issue. At the very worst my axle nut loosens and the wheel rubs up against the chain stay, which would happen even if the axle were in a "safer" position.

OP - also keep in mind that your new chain will "stretch" once you begin riding with it and you'll be able to pull your wheel back slightly.

I doubt there is any need to add a link. I've always heard that as long as the axle bolt is completely inside the dropout (none of it is hanging past the lip of the dropout), then it's just as safe as placing the wheel anywhere in the dropout. Just make sure you really tighten down the bolts so they don't slide, I like to use a bigger wrench rather than a pocket wrench for leverage.