Singlespeed woes

columbo-john
columbo-john Posts: 7
edited July 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
I have just put together a single speed mountain bike. The hubs are Canondale Earth and I am using a A2Z Single speed kit which consists of 3 spacers (2 thin & 1 thick) and an 18 tooth sprocket.

The crankset is a Suntour Duro and I am using a KMC 7/8 speed chain which is tensioned using a sprung loaded Mr Control tensioner bolted to the rear mech hanger.

I put the cranks on (I am only using the middle ring) and then lined the rear sprocket up by eye using the chain as a guide. The problem I have is that under power the chain sounds and feels like it is riding over the rear sprocket. I can't say for certain that it is but it just feels wrong. All the components are brand new and everything looks to be ok and in line and I dont know what to do next!

Any ideas??

Cheers, John.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    you need to align it correctly. move the rear cog about.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • columbo-john
    columbo-john Posts: 7
    I've tried moving the sprocket about to align and it makes no difference, I've also tried another wheel in case it was a faulty free wheel and it still does it. Moving the tensioner sprocket left to right just makes it sound like a badly adjusted rear mech.

    Could it be incorrect chain tension? I'm running out of ideas here!!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Ok then remove the tensioner. what happens. does the noise go?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • norco forever
    norco forever Posts: 1,177
    is your chain too tight? not oiled?
    If you aint in A&E, you aint riding hard enough

    http://identiti4lfe.pinkbike.com/album/Scott-Ransom
  • Sir HC
    Sir HC Posts: 20,148
    Is the chain touching the single speed spacers ?
    Intense Socom
    Inbred
  • columbo-john
    columbo-john Posts: 7
    I have sorted it ....... by shortening the chain. I am not entirely sure why this has made a difference but here are my thoughts on it:

    a) Shortening the chain has the effect of increasing the tension on chain but a standard rear mech has a lot less tension on it so I dont think this is the cure

    b) Shortening the chain has the effect of putting more of the chain in contact with the sprocket at any one time and if you look at a standard rear mech, the upper jockey wheel does the same job.

    I'm no expert, as I'm sure you've all guessed but this all seems logical to me.

    Anyway, cheers for your comments and I'm dead chuffed I have sorted it. I had better ride the thing now!!

Categories