Just realized I was running my chain way too tight for a year

I’ve been riding my fixed gear for about a year now and always thought the chain had to be super tight with almost no slack. Last week at the bike co-op in Portland a guy named Dave grabbed my rear wheel and was like 'dude, you’re gonna wreck your hub bearings with that tension.' He showed me how much play it should actually have, like half an inch up and down. Has anyone else been cranking their chain too tight thinking it was safer?

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henderson.mila2mo ago

Wait, you could wreck your hub bearings?

4

markm272mo ago

So yeah, I did the same thing on my first track bike. I had it so tight the chain would sing this high pitched whine whenever I coasted. A buddy at the shop finally told me to ease up and my rides got way smoother.

3