To tug or not to tug?

sjburbidge

Just finished my first fixed/ie from a 1988 peugeot frame.

Question is - do I need to use a chain tug? - it has forward facing drop-outs, and I'm using track nuts. This didn't occur to me until after I'd ridden it for about 20 miles - no problems so far to report, but I am keen to avoid a potentially painful crash! There was no evidence of it loosening, but I guess it would either happen spectacularly or not at all.

Also, I am planning on putting a bigger sprocket on, but my chain is now too short due to a lack of foresight. Can I add links back or do I need a new chain? (it's a SRAM 9 speed 3/32" chain).

Thanks in advance for your help.

SB

johndoran

Dont really know how you would use chain tugs with forward drop outs ,The best advice regarding the chain is to run a new 1/8 th chain. This will be ok on 3/32 sprockets and chainrings and be a lot safer. I dont think people really appreciate just how fast a chain on a fixed bike wears out. Its doing twice as much work as with a freewheel and a 3/32 will break more easily

Tail end Charlie

You don't need a chain tug but it can make getting the chain tension spot on slightly easier. It is possible to fit a chain tug to forward facing drop outs (I have fitted a Surly one) but it involves a certain amount of butchery on your frame.
In all honesty I would not bother as it's not difficult to get tension right without one. Your wheel won't move if you have decent nuts and washers on.

Personally I would use a 3/32 chain, fixed chains do wear but I have never heard of one snapping if they are checked and replaced on a regular basis. If the chain is in good nick, I see no reason why you cannot add links.

I have used a half link chain in the past, which look the business but seem to wear a lot quicker than a normal chain.