Im running 54/17 and my chain keeps slackening (i think so). There is a good chance that im just paranoid but my friends tell me that it slackens too
Is this amount of slack okay for a fixie, and why does my chain keep slackening?
byu/outofmyheadgetout inbikewrench
by outofmyheadgetout
7 Comments
Slackens over a longer period of time or within the same ride?
It could be that your wheel isn’t tightened enough in the dropouts so is getting steadily pulled forward. Worth checking regularly.
The amount of slack is ok, the way to check if it is to much is by spinning the wheel and seeing if you can push the chain off the ring as it goes around with moderate pressure. If you can’t than the amount is fine and some slack is better than none.
As to why they seem to “stretch,” the chain tool suggests it isn’t stretching, I suspect its partially about the wheel being pulled slightly forward. Doesn’t take much movement for the chain to have moderate slack.
That’s slightly too much slack. And as already stated, if it’s happening on a single ride, your wheel isn’t tight enough.
Get some chain tensioners. It’s usually due to chain stretch after new and your wheel shifting in the drops. Always torque your wheels front and back I do it before I ride real quick. But that tension you have in the pic is totally cool run it with some slack so you don’t stress your drivetrain
This amount of slack is about perfect.
You want slack to reduce friction and the wear and noises that come with it.
Also it is absolutely normal that the chain stretches and the contacting parts of the cogs and chain wear off a bit. Just get a gauge to check if your chain is still in good shape.
Chains get longer as they wear. The gears will wear to match the chain, so if it gets excessively worn you’ll have to replace those as well when the chain finally gives out. I’ll drop a link below for more info.
Other option is your adjustment is slipping.
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help/when-to-replace-a-chain-on-a-bicycle
I used to race track and a bit of variation is completely normal.
A single speed chain is going to go slack and tight throughout the pedal cycle because the cog and chain ring are not perfectly round and concentric to the axle.
More expensive parts will (Dura Ace, Sugino, EAI) will be much closer to perfect. Joe’s Hip Fixie parts of the week will likely be less perfect.
You want to average that difference out by where you set your axle position.
Your tightest point should have a tiny bit of slack so you don’t break the chain over time. The loose point should not be too loose.