Fixed gear chain buzz

[redjedi]

I've just changed my Ridgeback Solo from a single speed to a fixed gear and I'm getting a very annoying buzz from the chainring.

It only happens when I put pressure on the pedal, either pushing or pulling. Once I'm up to speed and spinning along then it's quiet.

I think the problem may be the width of the chainring. I had a 3/32" drive chain when it was single speed. I then fitted a 1/8" 17t gear. Of course the chain doesn't fit so I bought a Charge Masher 1/2 link chain and fitted that.

I've got the chain quite tight with just a little play, although there is a small tight spot but there's still a bit of movement even there, and it appears to be straight.
I know I would need the change the chainring sooner rather than latter anyway but could that be what's causing the noise, having a 3/32" chainring with a 1/8" chain?

The frame is steel and there is quite a bit of flex in it.

The noise sounds like a buzz which gets louder the more pressure I put on the pedals (it actually reminds me of a cricket, which is what I thought it was the first time I heard it )

Any ideas?

 

[4F]

I would say that is exactly the reason. Surely you should be used to listening to the buzz saw sound that your other bike makes.

 

[redjedi]

But that's a lovely purrr

 

[4F]

But that's a lovely purrr

I think the residents of Sudbury at 02:00 hrs would disagree

 

[redjedi]

Serves them right for sleeping instead of being out cycling

I've got new wheels since I last saw you. They are a lot quieter now although still not completely silent.

 

[frank9755]

How is the chain line?
It might make a noise if it is a little bit out of alignment.

 

[redjedi]

Chain line looks pretty good.
The young fixed rider in my local Evans took it for a quick ride and said straight away it was the half link chain. Apparently a lot of them make that noise and it may get better as the chain wears and stretches a bit or I could change it to a standard single speed chain.

I'll give it a week or two (or until I go crazy) and then think about changing it.

 

[redjedi]

I'll give it a week or two (or until I go crazy) and then think about changing it.

That didn't take long. It really is very annoying so I ordered an Izumi track chain from Ribble.

Keep an eye on the classifieds if anyone wants a red half link Charge Masher chain soon

 

[Aperitif]

Why has your Solo got a lot of flex in it Luke? Mine seems rigid - or maybe it is just the pedalling style eh?

(Serve you right for being a poser. First a snot coloured bike, then a hipster cap to replace the helmet. It is really jumping the shark to go for a red chain Smacks a bit of Teenage Mutant Hero Hipsters - "heroes with a half link... fixie power!"

I swapped the wheels on mine - the supplied ones are rubbish (as you know!) and that has made a big difference to ride quality, although I broke a spoke today. Woe! (Who cares? - plenty more on the wheel.)

Oh and I replaced the bottom bracket last night as the old one was grinding and clacking like a clockwork duck - that made things a lot more peaceful, so I know what you mean about noise.

 

[redjedi]

I'll be retiring the lycra soon and order myself some new jeans. Apparently these are "in" at the moment and then I'll be looking for flats in Shoreditch

 

[Aperitif]

I'll be retiring the lycra soon and order myself some new jeans. Apparently these are "in" at the moment and then I'll be looking for flats in Shoreditch

Fit Marathon + then, and you'll not get a flat anywhere!

 

[redjedi]

Chain buzz has now gone, it was the half link chain, so I am now sporting a very boring but silent black Izumi track chain

 

[4F]

Chain buzz has now gone, it was the half link chain, so I am now sporting a very boring but silent black Izumi track chain

half link chain, hipster...

 

[redjedi]

Honest Guv, it was the only one the LBS had in stock on a Sunday afternoon.

It did look nice though!