Why doesnt my chain fit on my cog?

Asked by: Matt Glass

How tight should fixed gear chain be?

It should be tight as it can be without binding. If the chain is too loose, it can fall off, which is quite dangerous on a fixed gear. Set the rear axle so that the chain pulls taut at the tightest part of the cranks’ rotation. One at a time, loosen up each of the stack bolts, and tighten it back just finger tight.

How tight should my single speed chain be?

approximately one half inch

Chain Tension



There should be approximately one half inch of movement in the chain up and down at a point half way between the front and rear sprockets. To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again.

How do you put the chain back on a single gear bike?

Start by putting the chain around the small gear on the rear axle of the bike. Next, place some of the chain on the around the big gear by the pedals on the side facing the seat. (This side should be facing down since the bike is upside down.) Keeping one hand on the chain to guide it, slowly start pedaling the bike.

How do you increase chain tension?

Increase the chain tension by turning the screw clockwise. Next, you’ll need to adjust the rear tire by disconnecting the brakes from the cable and increasing the tension on the derailleur. Put everything back together and test the tension before continuing your ride.

Does riding a single speed make you stronger?

Only having one gear makes you a better rider in a variety of ways. The most obvious one is that it makes your legs stronger because you have to crank up hills in a much harder gear that you otherwise would. But it also makes you more efficient. Riding a singlespeed means that you need to plan ahead.

How do I know if my chain is too loose?

To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.

Can a single speed chain be too tight?

The rule of the thumb says that the exact tightness of a chain will only let you move for about half an inch. Now, if the chain is too loose, then you need to tighten it. If you cannot even move the chain, then it is too tight, and it needs to be loosened.

Why does my bike chain slip when I pedal hard single speed?

These include worn out or misaligned derailleur pulleys, old or malfunctioning shifters throwing off the indexing in some gears, or broken/bent teeth on one or more cassette cogs. Build up of dirt and grime on drivetrain components will also cause shifting issues, including skipping chains.

How many links should be in a single speed chain?

116 links

A new bicycle chain usually comes with 116 links. This is long enough for the biggest chainrings and for most distances of the rear wheel from the front chainring. So for optimal length, a new chain is usually shortened from the 116 links that come in the box.

How do you align a bike chain?

Quote from video: That. What you want to do is push down on the cage of the derailleur to give yourself a little bit of extra slack in that chain. Pull that chain up onto the teeth of that chainring. And there you. Go.

What size bike chain do I need single speed?

1/8″ (0.125″, 3.18 mm) chain is used on most single-speed bicycles, and bicycles with internal gearing. 3/32″ (0.094″, 2.30 mm) chain is used on derailer equipped bicycles that have more than 3 cogs at the rear. Even somewhat narrower chain, typically .

How do I fix my bike chain without master link?

Using a chain pin: If your chain does not have a master link, use a chain tool to reconnect the chain with the chain pin included with your new chain. If you are repairing an existing chain, always use a new chain pin rather than reusing an existing pin.

Why do people ride fixies?

LIGHT WEIGHT MAKES TRAVEL EASIER. Less parts also mean less weight. Fixies are easier to carry up a flight of stairs, easier to move along tight hallways, easier to store and essentially more convenient to move around. The reduced weight is also why fixed gear bikes are better for bike racks.

Can you go up hills on a single-speed bike?

Long, steep climbs are more challenging without the option of lower gears, but people can and do climb hills on fixed gear and single speed bikes all the time. You can make climbing easier by using a suitable gear ratio, losing unnecessary weight, taking a run-up, and using the slalom technique.

Do you burn more calories on a single-speed bike?

Quote from video:

How do you tighten a fixed gear bike chain?

Quote from video: And your chain ring just gently pull on your rear axle. And to get some tension to it after you do that just tighten. The attract nuts.

Can a single speed chain be too tight?

The rule of the thumb says that the exact tightness of a chain will only let you move for about half an inch. Now, if the chain is too loose, then you need to tighten it. If you cannot even move the chain, then it is too tight, and it needs to be loosened.

How tight should a motorcycle chain be?

Quote from video: It's also gonna increase driveline lash on the flip side a to tight chain while less common is also a bad thing. It's gonna put too much tension on your chain and sprockets and wear out those

What happens if you stop pedaling on a fixed gear?

On a fixie if you stop pedalling the cranks will continue to spin. This means that you are essentially always pedalling on a fixed gear bike with no way to coast. On a fixie you can actually brake by preventing the pedals from moving. This locks the rear wheel in the same way the brakes on a normal bike do.

Why do fixies have no brakes?

Fixies do not usually come with brakes. While the bicycle is moving, it cannot freewheel and its pedals keep spinning by design. Therefore, riders have to resist the pedals to slow down.

Why do people ride fixed gear?

Fixed-gear bikes make great winter bikes, but they’re also excellent urban rides, provided you don’t have to tackle any long, steep hills. The lack of shifters means there’s one fewer distraction, and the ability to control your speed directly through the transmission gives you a useful extra degree of control.