Why single speed?

[yo-eddy]

Don't get the magic ratio thing, my bikes have an eccentric bracket or sliding drop-outs wich in case of the unevitable stretching chain will allow me to get the chain tensioned again. Imho if you want to go SS (or internal geared hub) you have to be dedicated, so go for a frame with either EBB or sliding/horizontal drop-outs. In either case you can enjoy a totally silent bike with no slapping chain

Chains don't stretch, they wear at the pin, so if the chain starts to go slack then it's time to replace it anyway. EBB aren't the answer IMO, but I agree horizontal drop-out frame is the best solution, but if you already have a frame that you want to convert to SS then going for the magic ratio is fun and looks good.

If chains don't stretch (I think they do)than the wear of the alloy chainring causes the chain to slacken, have to tension my chain every few weeks (I ride a lot). Can't imagine buying a new chain every time :?
EBB works better than sliding drop-outs espesc. with V-brakes as you don't have to re-adjust the brakes
The paragon sliders work well also

 

[Easy_Rider]

Don't get the magic ratio thing, my bikes have an eccentric bracket or sliding drop-outs wich in case of the unevitable stretching chain will allow me to get the chain tensioned again. Imho if you want to go SS (or internal geared hub) you have to be dedicated, so go for a frame with either EBB or sliding/horizontal drop-outs. In either case you can enjoy a totally silent bike with no slapping chain

Chains don't stretch, they wear at the pin, so if the chain starts to go slack then it's time to replace it anyway. EBB aren't the answer IMO, but I agree horizontal drop-out frame is the best solution, but if you already have a frame that you want to convert to SS then going for the magic ratio is fun and looks good.

If chains don't stretch (I think they do)than the wear of the alloy chainring causes the chain to slacken, have to tension my chain every few weeks (I ride a lot). Can't imagine buying a new chain every time :?
EBB works better than sliding drop-outs espesc. with V-brakes as you don't have to re-adjust the brakes
The paragon sliders work well also

Chains don't stretch (half links unfold and lengthen chain too)

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

Riders often speak of "chain stretch" a technically misleading and incorrect term. Chains do not stretch, in the dictionary sense, by elongating the metal by tension. Chains lengthen because their hinge pins and sleeves wear. Chain wear is caused almost exclusively by road grit that enters the chain when it is oiled. Grit adheres to the outside of chains in the ugly black stuff that can get on ones leg, but external grime has little functional effect, being on the outside where it does the chain no harm.

And if your are letting your chain lengthen by more than 1/16th of an inch over 12 links, then you are increasing the wear rate on your alloy chainring too.

 

[yo-eddy]

Was just reading that excact same article

Either way the chain gets longer and the rings wear, you need to tension the set-up way before the parts are worn..... I know, because I do this every few weeks

 

[Easy_Rider]

Was just reading that excact same article

Either way the chain gets longer and the rings wear, you need to tension the set-up way before the parts are worn..... I know, because I do this every few weeks

True, but if your chain has got too long you need to replace it.

Generally, a full 12 links should be exactly 12inches. If it's 1/16th over then you need to replace the chain, if its 1/8th over then you need to replace chain and sprockets / chainring.

You must be doing a lot of miles! :shock:

 

[yo-eddy]

Was just reading that excact same article

Either way the chain gets longer and the rings wear, you need to tension the set-up way before the parts are worn..... I know, because I do this every few weeks

True, but if your chain has got too long you need to replace it.

Generally, a full 12 links should be exactly 12inches. If it's 1/16th over then you need to replace the chain, if its 1/8th over then you need to replace chain and sprockets / chainring.

So the Magic Ratio works for a few weeks only :roll: .......... even my 1937 commuter has chain tensioners (for a reason )

 

[Easy_Rider]

Only if you don't look after your chain or ride a LOT of miles. Yours simply must be wearing quite a bit. Have you measured it to see?

I know what your saying, magic ratio isn't the ideal situation, but if you have a frame that you want to convert to SS keeping it clean and simple but don't want change the drop-outs by a frame builder, or buy an expensive EBB or use a chain tensioner, you get what I mean

EDIT: 3,000th post

 

[yo-eddy]

Only if you don't look after your chain or ride a LOT of miles. Yours simply must be wearing quite a bit. Have you measured it to see?

I know what your saying, magic ratio isn't the ideal situation, but if you have a frame that you want to convert to SS keeping it clean and simple but don't want change the drop-outs by a frame builder, or buy an expensive EBB or use a chain tensioner, you get what I mean

I understand it looks way better than a chain tensioner for sure.

I do ride a lot in sandy and muddy conditions so I must be wearing parts faster than average :cry:

 

[MikeD]

Yay, chain wear pedantry

There's about four feet of chain on a singlespeed. Even a non-fatal 1/32in of roller-wear-related elongation in every 12 is 1/8in over the whole chain, which is enough for a magic gear to stop working. More trouble than it's worth IMHO - proper frame or tensioner every time.

 

[mikee]

3 of my s/s have a self made tensioner
has never been a problem with them
even with a full half link chain
my EBB was a right PITA till i stripped it and fitted better screws
been fine since

my horizontal drop out was only a problem due to crappy chain tugs
so i made my own ,no worries now

never had a magic ratio that worked with my legs

 

[yo-eddy]

3 of my s/s have a self made tensioner
has never been a problem with them
even with a full half link chain
my EBB was a right PITA till i stripped it and fitted better screws
been fine since

my horizontal drop out was only a problem due to crappy chain tugs
so i made my own ,no worries now

never had a magic ratio that worked with my legs

My experience is that an Eccentric BB with external clamps works much better than Internal (like Bushnell) ones