Why not post a picture of your Fixed/Singlespeed bike

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Here's my glow in the dark Pompino all weather commuter, or "the lump" as I like to call it, now finally finished with new rack and back brake removed - kept the cable in place in case I have a whim to go single speed for a while. Not sure about glowing in the dark yet but does catch the eye in daylight and helped convince my wife that I should be allowed yet another bike. All the moving bits came off my Langster, rest were resting in the shed.[attachment=3671:P1040010.JPG]

i have just got a pomp and i like your guards, where did you get them from?

 

[Ibbots]

i have just got a pomp and i like your guards, where did you get them from?

Wiggle - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/vavert-road-bike-fixed-mudguards/

some nice colour options. I had to drill the rear 'guard to fix to the fixing point under the seat stay bridge

 

[BenDeason]

95 Kona Explosif
xtr cranks
Pace pc31
Hope pro 2 ss/mavic 719
hope pro2/mavic xm719
shimano dx v brake and lever

Photos will be up soon

 

[BenDeason]

 

[wheres_my_beard]

There's something about a clutter-free single speed that I find really pleasing to the eye. Looking good Ben.

Are you happy with your chain tension?

 

[colinr]

Are you happy with your chain tension?

What he's trying to say is…

Chain's a bit slack

What sort of riding do you use that for?

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Slackness is a very personal thing... some people like it slack, some like it tight.

Like many things in life.


I have had a chain come off on my SS while forcing my bike up a frustrating hill, and the shock of that happening especially when you are clipped in makes me worry about chain tension, especially if the bike in on rough or rugged terrain.

 

[Jonathing]

Slackness is a very personal thing... some people like it slack, some like it tight.

Like many things in life.

While I appreciate the attraction of slack I'm not sure why one would want it when it comes to chain tension? As I understand it tight chain = efficient power transfer.

 

[Ibbots]

While I appreciate the attraction of slack I'm not sure why one would want it when it comes to chain tension? As I understand it tight chain = efficient power transfer.

The chain will tighten up along the top line under pressure in any case. Coaches at the velodrome used to tell us to have the chain as slack as possible without actually being able to throw it off the rings, the old boys used to set the cranks spinning and fling the bike up in an arc to see if they could dislodge the chain. If the chain is too tight it will cause drag in the drive train and also increase wear. You do need some tension for the freehub to work properly when riding single speed and obviously don't want the chain swinging round and rattling when fixed, but I'd try and avoid having the china too tight.

 

[Bunneh]

Posted one in a new thread, was blind and never saw this one, doh!

Anyhoo, 3 images, similar angles.

 

[Jonathing]

The chain will tighten up along the top line under pressure in any case.... but I'd try and avoid having the china too tight.

Ta for clearing that up for me.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

The chain will tighten up along the top line under pressure in any case.

Sure, but the tension across the top will mean that the slack is moved to the bottom line. This is the line that feeds the chain to the smaller rear cog, where it is most likely to be dislodged in bumpy terrain or sporadic cycling where the chain isn't under constant tension via the crank.

 

[Ibbots]

Sure, but the tension across the top will mean that the slack is moved to the bottom line. This is the line that feeds the chain to the smaller rear cog, where it is most likely to be dislodged in bumpy terrain or sporadic cycling where the chain isn't under constant tension via the crank.

true, but that's why single speed and fixed cogs have bigger teeth and why you check that the chain is not too loose. I don't like to have the chain too loose on road because the rattling on rough surfaces bugs me, but don't want a tight chain either. I tend to set the chain with a few mm of flex and have never thrown a chain on or off road - snapped a few, which I like to think of as being due to my impressive power and not poor maintenance or technique.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

If you are going to check tension, you need to be able to do something about it.

If you don't have a frame, or a modification that allows this, you will need a device that does, i.e. a chain tensioner or an eccentric hub/ bb etc

 

[GrumpyGregry]

93 Kona Kilauea frame bought off ebay two years ago, finally built up with bits I had in the shed (for 15 years) along with some modern odds n sods I got off ebay or in online sales. SS conversion done using velosolo spacers and tensioner.

Rode her in this incarnation for the first time about an hour ago. Can't stop grinning. Going out on the South Downs this afternoon.

Sorry but I'm no photographer and my blackberry camera ain't up to much.

Comments, suggestions for improvement, on her most welcome.