Hello all ,I’ve bought a used single speed bike, my first single speed ., I replaced chain tensioner along with the chain as the old one broke, and now as I push harder on the pedals for example while going uphill some strange things are happening seems like the chain is jumping or slipping over the teeth and it feels like the chain is about to fall off , but it catches on the next tooth , if I reduce the pressure it all goes smoothly as it should if I keep on pedaling hard it continues to happen , what can it be and how can I fix it ?
Thanks you all.
by Famous-Appointment91
3 Comments
I’ve tried using that exact tensioner on my bike and had the same issue. It just couldn’t apply enough tension to keep the chain from skipping under load. I chose to buy a more expensive tensioner, but I admittedly probably went a little overboard with a Paul Melvin. I’ve heard good thing about the Surly Singleator tensioner that costs much less.
maybe try a shorter chain and bmx chain tensioners.
First thing I would do, is attempt to ensure that the lateral positioning of the chain tension adjuster is calibrated properly, as much as possible.
E.g. ensure that it is properly extended in regards to horizontal/extension type positioning if one will, e.g. that the chain line is relatively “ideal”.
Also you might want to relube or service the bottom bracket.
Soaking the stuff, interior bits from bottom bracket, in vinegar, if it isn’t “cartridge” style, overnight and then scrubbing with a toothbrush and fingernails should shiny the components up.
Then can potentially generously re-lube all of said components, and or replace with a cartridge etc. They say that if ball bearings look dinged up to replace via bringing said bearings and cages that hold them to local bike shop to get replacements, I don’t know about that as relubing generously with good lube, in general, if issues aren’t too severe presumably, may do the trick if necessary, perhaps.
You may want to have the whole drive train situation as fluid as possible, and the chain as ideally aligned as possible, perhaps.
If still have issues may have to/want to, consider replacing the crank set, and perhaps the rear free wheel/cog.
Also, I’m not trying to like insinuate anything, but just to double check, single speed per se, chains are of a different “size”, subtly, relative to multi-speed, chains, that may also be an issue if not aware of such a difference.