how much slack can i get away with on fixed

[der alt]

Dunno if this is any use to you shaun .i converted a specialised rockhopper 93 to ss back in January just as a trainer type of thing first couple of tries getting the chain to the right length was a bit hard working out wise .once i had got it sorted out it worked fine .i was thinking of converting it to fixed but i decided to just buy a fixed machine and try it from there the chain slack i had given it was an old mtb chain i was using was maybe a touch too much but now that the chain has stretched out and cutting a link out seems to have sorted out the slack/clunk when pulling away ..below is a pic of said machine it ain't pretty but it works well

 

[RedBike]

Sorry Der Alt, we can't see your picture.

You can't put a fixed sprocket on a 'normal' freehub. You have to have either a single speed MTB hub that can accept a lockring (rather rare!) or mount a sprocket to the disc part of the hub and use a rim brake / no brake

IE Velo solos cogs

 

[bonj2]

So let me get this straight, not only are you running a full susser single speed, but you are also now trying to bastardise it into a *fixed* and due to the obvious problem of it having not only vertical dropouts but wider 135mm vertical dropouts you are considering embarking on all sorts of drilling and bodging to satisfy your determination to get it to work.
Are you *mental*?
Normal people would take all these hurdles you are facing as a sign that this isn't meant to be done. Try joining them.

 

[Joe24]

Its simple what he needs to do.
Get a back wheel that fits that takes a screw on block, then just put a fixed sprocket on.
Put it on tight, lock it on, and you have yourself a fixed.

You will probably/maybe/more then likely die/cause serious injury to yourself.

Don't do it, take some advice.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

nope, red got it right. just need to order one. will defo be trying it for winter. as for mental, no just intrigued. only a bit of fun.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

bonj,

what drilling? it's 6 bolts

 

[Joe24]

nope, red got it right. just need to order one. will defo be trying it for winter. as for mental, no just intrigued. only a bit of fun.

Oh ok.
Do you have money to just throw away at things?
If so, feel free to buy me a new chainring, sprocket and chain, front wheel........

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

 

[Joe24]

How old are you?
What bike do you have?

 

[RedBike]

Joe, as far as I can tell it's a relatively cheap convertion; and he's only planning to ride the bike on the road. He just takes his existing wheel, removes the disc rotor then mounts one of those velo cogs in it's place.

There's two minor problems with it though.

He can't run a rear brake. His frame is disc brake only.
When the suspension compresses the chainstay length changes slightly. So he cannot (even if he had sliding dropouts) run a tight chain.

However, a front only disc + the ability to brake via the pedals should be enough for road use provided he doesn't go nuts. He will probably be able to get the chain tight enough to try it out for a bit but chain stretch is going to be a major pain.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

what's my age got do with it? but old enough to be your father young man!!!

 

[Joe24]

Joe, as far as I can tell it's a relatively cheap convertion; and he's only planning to ride the bike on the road. He just takes his existing wheel, removes the disc rotor then mounts one of those velo cogs in it's place.

There's two minor problems with it though.

He can't run a rear brake. His frame is disc brake only.
When the suspension compresses the chainstay length changes slightly. So he cannot (even if he had sliding dropouts) run a tight chain.

However, a front only disc + the ability to brake via the pedals should be enough for road use provided he doesn't go nuts. He will probably be able to get the chain tight enough to try it out for a bit but chain stretch is going to be a major pain.

Well, hes got to get his chainline right.
All the bouncing around thats going to happen, if he hits a bump and the chain slackens, it will come off.
On my cheapo fixed, the chain slackens because the wheel is only on quick release, which doesnt hold it tight enough. Meaning going anywhere and doing over about 15mph(at the most) on it, is dangerouse, the chain clunks and if i did go any faster, the chain will just come off.
Stupid idea if you ask me, would be much better to just get an old frame and build that up, but never mind.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

chainline is already perfect, done over 300 miles on rough bridleways already with no tensioner and shoot loads of slack to accommodate 5 inch travel. never once skipped or derails since i put on the half link chain.

my only concern was whether or not the slack i'm running will cause knocking as the slack is taken up when the pedals stop.

joe24,

have i upset you in a previous life? you seem to be very aggressive towards me on this and other threads. please either pack it in or stop replying to my questions. you seem to think you always know better. however, your advice is always incorrect.

 

[Joe24]

chainline is already perfect, done over 300 miles on rough bridleways already with no tensioner and shoot loads of slack to accommodate 5 inch travel. never once skipped or derails since i put on the half link chain.

my only concern was whether or not the slack i'm running will cause knocking as the slack is taken up when the pedals stop.

joe24,

have i upset you in a previous life? you seem to be very aggressive towards me on this and other threads. please either pack it in or stop replying to my questions. you seem to think you always know better. however, your advice is always incorrect.

Yes, it will do.
I might go out and film my cheapo fixed with a slack chain, and pedals spinning, and me moving the back wheel around(like i guess the chain would be getting bounced and show you the chain coming off)

I dont really get what you mean about me being aggressive towards you though. I am, nearly always right though. Thats a FACT!