Newbie chain stretch question
 

hi everyone,

Let me start by saying that I really enjoy reading this forum and soak up all information here on fixies. I am new to the fixed thing, but recently completed my first fixie, a Batavus late eighties 10 speed. Respaced the axle and redished the rear wheel. Pulling the rim about 3/4 inch to the left and trueing the wheel was a fascinating first time experience! Reading the fixed-gear testimonials and rants (Sheldon Brown, etc), I thought geez, these guys (and girls), what the f***k are they on about, talking about 'a Zen-like experience', cadenced trains of thought and what have you. But now I'm officially hooked. It's sad and I never thought the cliche would become a reality for me so quickly, but it's the best decision I've made in a long, long time!

But here's my question: I am running the original (worn, but far from terminal) small front chainring (48) with a 17 rear cog (my LBS says it's not a real track cog, but rather one that fits a kickback hub) and a 1/8" chain.
Chainline is about 1-1,5 mm off, but still pretty straight and properly lubed the chain is almost dead silent. But now I'm seeing my chain go slacker after every(short) ride. The axle (quick release) hasn't visibly moved forward, but something must be going on here. Did I just buy a crap chain, or is it normal that it stretches this fast? ? It's not top stuff, but certainly not cheapo.

Any tips would be most appreciated!

Is it a new chain? I couldn't tell from your post.
New chains definitely stretch a bit, at least in my experience with cheap ones.
Maybe the chain and cogs also had to "break into each other" slightly, the burrs and such. Either way, the chain probably sits better, now. Tighten up the chain again and ride it for a few more days.

are you checking the tension at the same point in the crank cycle? your chainring could be out of round.

I suspect it has something to do with the quick release axle. The QR nut might not be tight enough on the dropout.

quick release is no bueno...you should pick up some serrated track nuts, preferably with integrated washers.

Track NUTZ!!!!! Just dont bash them on your top tube!

Thanks for the replies! Gonna try them tracknuts definately. I bought the chain new two months ago, by the way. Boy oh boy how sweet this fixed riding is, I'm already going up the hills around Arnhem (Netherlands) faster than ever. I thought the tall gearing was going to do my legs in, but they beef up real quick this way! And i'm already way faster than any bike rider downtown. Sorry about the self-congratulatory hee-haa, but I'm, well, just so damned pleased with my fixie!

thanks again!

Hey Batavus, you got any deals on Omafiets? A friend of mine drools over them.

Hey econobot, uhm They're a dime a dozen around here in the low countries. People use them as city bashers and grocery transportation and they often get thrown away if they only have two flats or if a spoke snapped and the wheel is slighly out of true. Got two wheels off one a few months ago because I couldn't bear to see one being dumped that easily.

But I have no deals on one sorry. But if he really wants one, I can have a look around. By the way, shipment to the US would be way more than whatever you would pay for one. They cost about 100 to 200 euros new, but i assume your friend is drooling over the vintage pre WW2 old old old school ones?

I'll Private Message you.