Chainline

[Seat Sniffer]

I'm setting up my hardtail as a single speed. I have the basic generic kit(tensioner, spacers, cog) I've adjusted it to the point where the cog and chainring both ride in the center of the chain on the stand, but When under load, it skips on the cog. The line seems to be out of alignment although the chain appears centered on the cog/chainring. I'm assuming that's probably the problem. Is there a better way to align your chainline other than just trial and error or eyeballing it?

The chain is a Sram PC1 SS chain. SS Chainring. new cog.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Seat Sniffer

I'm setting up my hardtail as a single speed. I have the basic generic kit(tensioner, spacers, cog) I've adjusted it to the point where the cog and chainring both ride in the center of the chain on the stand, but When under load, it skips on the cog. The line seems to be out of alignment although the chain appears centered on the cog/chainring. I'm assuming that's probably the problem. Is there a better way to align your chainline other than just trial and error or eyeballing it?

The chain is a Sram PC1 SS chain. SS Chainring. new cog.

Post your question in the SS thread here:
Single speed on a budget
You will probably get more help since all the SS builds are in this area.

From my readings and talking to other fellow SS riders. Chain skip can be too much slack in the chain or the tensioner is not adjusted correctly. Make sure that you have taken out enough links in the chain but be sure the chain will still flex when you press with your fingers. Also make sure your tensioner is adjusted correctly. Make sure the direction of the internal spring is mounted in the right direction. Also, what type of frame do you have? Pure SS frame or a HT frame with a vertical drop out? Make sure the rear wheel is mounted correctly. Are you running a splined hub? If so, check the number of spacers. If you are running a threaded hub like Coleko and I, your hub could be off center with the cog mounted.

[Abui]

You didn't mention the tensioner. The alignment of the tensioner is most important! It can act like a derailleur for good or bad.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Caveman

You didn't mention the tensioner. The alignment of the tensioner is most important! It can act like a derailleur for good or bad.

Actually he did towards the top of his post. I looked twice cause I thought I was seeing things. I guess my vision has tanked going into my 30s.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by northshore

Actually he did towards the top of his post. I looked twice cause I thought I was seeing things. I guess my vision has tanked going into my 30s.

OK - He didn't mention tensioner alignment.

[dstepper]

To set up the chainline on a freehubs I don't use any spacers on the hub, just the cog. Then I turn the cranks with the bike on a bike stand and let the cog center it's self on the cassette. Measure then and put in the right sized spacers. Do this without using the tensioner to get your chainllne right.

Dean

[Seat Sniffer]

Originally Posted by Caveman

OK - He didn't mention tensioner alignment.

I did check that, it was in line with the cog.

Originally Posted by dstepper

To set up the chainline on a freehubs I don't use any spacers on the hub, just the cog. Then I turn the cranks with the bike on a bike stand and let the cog center it's self on the cassette. Measure then and put in the right sized spacers. Do this without using the tensioner to get your chainllne right.

Dean

Thats one I didnt think of! I'll do that next. Thanks!