quick question, ive degreased and lubed the chain (the only bit of maintenance i need to do on this bike! ) and ive noticed that even after doing this there is a faint rubbling/vibration through the chain and pedals.

It seems the chain can move from side to side on the front chainring and i think this is causing the slight noise and vibration - the cranks and hub are tightened up and dont move, is it worth tightening the chain anymore to prevent this or is it inherent with SS? its not hard to tense the chain up due to the brilliant design of the frame, its just that the noise and rumble is a tad irritating - the chain isnt under an enormous amount of tension, as it is (it was set like that at the factory).

Is there such a thing as a spring tensioner that would do the work of a normal derailleur for a single speed, to take up the slack due to wear? Maybe that would solve it  :?

Quote from: CeathreamhnanIs there such a thing as a spring tensioner that would do the work of a normal derailleur for a single speed, to take up the slack due to wear? Maybe that would solve it  :?

there is, but i dont think its due to wear as its only 4 weeks old, im just unsure as to whether or i should play with the chain tension or not....

Quote from: CeathreamhnanIs there such a thing as a spring tensioner that would do the work of a normal derailleur for a single speed, to take up the slack due to wear? Maybe that would solve it  :?

yes, commonly referred to by the Surly brand name, the Singulator.



Dan, sounds like your have your chain under tension. SSs need a cm or two of play in the middle of the chain. Looser beats tighter, except on a fixie where it should always be "just right".

QuoteDan, sounds like your have your chain under tension. SSs need a cm or two of play in the middle of the chain. Looser beats tighter, except on a fixie where it should always be "just right".

ok, ill leave it be, its not that big a deal, especially when its lubed...

cheers.

Dont think about leaving if its tight, itll exacerbate wear on your chain and cogs. Tsk tsk.

Quote from: maximusotterDont think about leaving if its tight, itll exacerbate wear on your chain and cogs. Tsk tsk.

its not tight, in fact id say as was a pinch too loose...

Did you check with the pedals throughout the rotation? The chainring being just a fraction of a mm off of center on the spider can make huge differences. Thats why I do might loose-ish so its perfect in the tight part of the stroke.

Best test is a backwards spinnarroo. The cranks should spin a few times without immediately grinding to a halt.

Here, you can visually see that the chain too taut, Id just slapped in the wheels for the pic:



Here, you can see an ever so small amount of slack:



Could also be chainline issues, as everthing is otherwise new.

I find you need to have about 1/4 inch slack in the chain.

the rumbling is moribund.

Whassat then?

How dya fix it?

Quote from: funkychicken9000How dya fix it?

Properly degreased it, applied plenty of lube, left it over night, cycled to the lab across manchester and its silent and as slick as a greased eel, now...

How did you properly degrease it?  The thinners and coke bottle trick?  Gonna be needing to do mine once I get my new wheels  

Quote from: funkychicken9000How did you properly degrease it?  The thinners and coke bottle trick?  Gonna be needing to do mine once I get my new wheels  

i used white lightning degreaser and the chain cleaner which came with it (Ã,£20) - its the business, to be honest - took all the grease and crap off within a minute and i liberally sprayed on some wet finish line lube... left it and added more, its cracking.

I dont ponce about with pikey methods - i just went down to the bike shop and grabbed WL - its absolutely brilliant stuff, just a) a little pricey b) lethal to all known forms of life within a 100mile radius.