I'm converting my old Nishiki to fixed gear and I hit a little bump in the road. Both of my rear dropouts were never cut out all the way or maybe they were put in for more strenght, but now, I'm not to sure if I should convert it. I need to know, how much space, in the rear dropouts, would somebody need to properly tension their chain and not run the risk of it falling out when breaking. I can use half links if need be, but I really do not want to have to use an external chain tensioner.

I think you'd be ok even with just an inch of dropout. Got a pic?

Drop outs on some cheaper frames were not cut all the way. I guess this is his issue. He should have enough room to adjust the chain but not enough to change cogs without changing chain length


can't find a picture. uncut horizontal dropouts

Here's one about to get cleaned out:

1/2" plus 10mm

Or the marginal distance between axle and crank when adding or removing one link plus the diameter of an axle.