Singlespeed chain tension

[Thorpie]

Any tips on getting the right singlespeed chain tension? I have just had a quick attempt at putting one on my 94 Kilauea SS project but the chain was not running smoothly and sounded like it had ticker tape attached. It appeared to run better with an extra link in the chain? Can it be too tight? I am running a 4-Jeri tensioner and at the moment a 34t-16t combination, allignment was fine so it was purely down to tension. Anyone got any advice for a SS newbie?

Trevor.

 

[velomaniac]

Yes too tight but not for long !!!!!!!!!

SS chain stretches because we stand on the pedals alot. Ride it round the block out of the seat and it'll probably stretch sufficiently to quieten down a bit, a nice bit of lube also helps

Cheers

Velomaniac

 

[Err]

Yes too tight but not for long !!!!!!!!!

SS chain stretches because we stand on the pedals alot. Ride it round the block out of the seat and it'll probably stretch sufficiently to quieten down a bit, a nice bit of lube also helps

Cheers

Velomaniac

Chain "stretch" is not actually caused by stretching, it's caused by wear.

 

[Harryburgundy]

Hey Thorpie
I would say too tight and you risk wearing out stuff quicker than expected.
Maybe a half-link for the perfect length?
What chain are you running BTW...did ya get the Eno's?
Cheers, Carl

 

[Thorpie]

Hey Thorpie
I would say too tight and you risk wearing out stuff quicker than expected.
Maybe a half-link for the perfect length?
What chain are you running BTW...did ya get the Eno's?
Cheers, Carl

Hey up Carl,

Got the ENO's and they look the dogs dangly bits, picked bike up from the LBS today after having BB and cranks fitted. I was using the KMC chain you gave me but I have made it too short now, doh! Ordered another one this afternoon from charliethebikemonger so should be up and running early next week. Will get pics up soon as. Noticed you are selling the green giant, it looked nice but then so does the replacement!

Trevor.

 

[Harryburgundy]

Excellent Trevor...looking forward to seeing the final result.
The Giant is a nice frame...but it isn't retro....and I kept seeing too many bl**ding Giants out riding...mostly the sort with ridiculously high adjustable stems etc.....can't belong to that club

 

[Max P]

Are you sure alignment is correct - ie within a mm or so? If yes then correct chain tension is normally around 1/2 inch of flex under light finger pressure in the middle of the run. Better slightly loose than slightly tight and virtually all set-ups have slight high and low spots.

If running a non HTII BB then a good spin backwards on the pedals should get you 3 or 4 rotations of the cranks at least - one of the joys of a SS system compared to gears...

 

[velomaniac]

Chains wear true but if they did not stretch there would be no need for chain manufacturers to go on about the tensile strength of their chains or in the case of Wipperman who claim one of their chains is unstretchable.

Further a friend riding a newly converted cannondale with brand new cog, chainring and chain experienced chain stretch in only one trail centre outing !!!

If its not stretching then thats extremely high wear in very short time !!!!!

Chains wear and stretch

 

[dookie]

Are you sure alignment is correct - ie within a mm or so? If yes then correct chain tension is normally around 1/2 inch of flex under light finger pressure in the middle of the run. Better slightly loose than slightly tight and virtually all set-ups have slight high and low spots.

+1

better loose than tight. with no risk of drop from derailleur-induced side load, you'd be amazed how loose you can run the chain without fear of drop on an SS. try it at a tension you'd think too loose...if it's quiet, doesn't drop, and doesn't slap the stays...well, all is good, no?

 

[Err]

Chains wear true but if they did not stretch there would be no need for chain manufacturers to go on about the tensile strength of their chains or in the case of Wipperman who claim one of their chains is unstretchable.

Further a friend riding a newly converted cannondale with brand new cog, chainring and chain experienced chain stretch in only one trail centre outing !!!

If its not stretching then thats extremely high wear in very short time !!!!!

Chains wear and stretch

Hmm, i think i'll stick with Sheldon Brown (PBUH) and Jobst Brandt over you on this one.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/chain-care.html

New cog, chainring and chain would be expected to bed in to each other on first outing, that doesn't mean the chain has stretched.

Why don't you have a look for wipperman's chain wear measurement tool?