How to Tighten Fixie Chain

How to Tighten Fixie Chain

Fixie bikes are very popular bikes to ride. And one of the favorite methods of riding these bikes is by riding them fixed. The bike is fitted with single-speed gear and the back wheel is fixed. It is used in competitions and is used by riders who like the challenge of staying on pace. For this reason, you need to take good care of the bike. And mostly you need to take care of its chain. A bike chain that is not in good condition will lead to the bike being out of order. You will probably have to spend some money to get it fixed. By reading this article you will get some idea about how to tighten fixie chain.

Contents

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Tighten Fixie Chain

Fixies are great for short jaunts around town, but there are times when you need to take them apart, whether it’s because of maintenance needs or repair. If your fixie has an internally geared hub, it’s even more complicated.

These are simple steps on what to do to fix your fixie’s chain.

  1. Turn the wheel so that the axle is as far from you as possible and the wheel is perpendicular to the ground.
  2. Remove one side of your rear wheel, which should be a quick-release calibrated for your axle width.
  3. Your fixie’s cable will help you move the chain off the chainrings and back onto the freewheel. Remove it from your caliper brake and position it so that you can get to the chain ring bolts.
  4. Undo both bolts, taking note of how they’re threaded in for re-assembly.
  5. Lift your chain from the chainring and set it aside.
  6. Remove the other side of your rear wheel in a similar fashion to step 2, undoing bolts from step 4 in reverse order.
  7. Undo the bolts that hold the freewheel in place on both sides. Be careful not to lose them if they have a tab that holds them in the hub.
  8. Slide your fixie’s freewheel off of the hub, taking note of how it slides on for re-assembly.
  9. Take apart your chain according to step 2 and you’re all set!

That wasn’t too hard. Once you’ve finished these steps, you should be ready to ride your fixie again.

How to Tighten Fixie Chain infographic

How to Tighten Fixie Chain
How to Tighten Fixie Chain Infographic

Reduce Slack in The Chain

Slack in the chain means you have an improperly installed chain or a chain that is the wrong size. Here we are discussing what you can do if your fixie chain slacks too much.

First, hold the chain at the front and back sprockets while you pedal. On a single-speed bike, you should be able to move the chain a few centimeters in each direction.

If you notice a noise that’s not quite right, it’s likely that your chain is loose or you have a worn sprocket. Do you still hear the noise while pedaling? Then you should try tightening the bolts that hold the chainring in place. If the noise continues, you may have a bent, loose or worn chainring. If you have a bent chainring, you will need to replace it. This is how you can reduce slack in your single-speed bike.

How Tight Should a Fixie’s Chain Be?

One of the most common things we see asked by beginner fixie riders is how tight their chain should be. There is no right or wrong answer as it depends on the situation and the fixie.  

The chain on a fixie plays a critical role in how the bike rides. On a fixie, the chain needs to be tight enough that it doesn’t slip or skip but at the same time, it shouldn’t be too tight. If it’s too tight, then the bike will be difficult to pedal, the drivetrain won’t last and there is a risk of snapping the chain.

If Your Bike Chain Is Too Loose?

Loose chains can cause a number of problems. If it’s too loose, your pedals will be able to spin freely while you’re pedaling. If a chain is too loose, your bike will not run properly. The ideal chain length should be about half an inch from the frame. You can use a ruler to be sure of the length.

The Danger of Too Tight Bike Chains?

A bike chain that is too tight can cause some problems, especially in the long run. This is because the tension on the chain can cause it to become tight and not able to move back and forth as a normal chain should. Over time, the tight chain will cause a lot of stress on the components of your bike. For example, it can damage the shifting mechanism of your bike. It can even cause damage to the hub of the wheel, causing you to replace it sooner than expected.

Final Thoughts on How to Tighten Fixie Chain

If you have a fixie bike, you know that one of the main benefits is maintenance-free operation. But that doesn’t mean that you should ignore your bike. You need to check your fixie bike regularly to make sure that everything is in working order. One of the most important parts of the bike is the chain. You need to check the tightness of your fixie chain regularly to make sure that it is still in good shape. Your bicycle chain is one of the most important components of your bike. It is the main mechanism that connects your legs to the wheels.

However, many bike riders do not realize that there are different types of bike chains. There is a proper way to take care of your bicycle chain in order to ensure that you are getting the most out of it. Hope you learned about how to tighten the fixie chain at home. If you have any confusion or question, then feel free to comment below. We are here to solve your bike-related problems.

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