Guide to Getting a Smooth Fixed Gear Drivetrain

Guide to Getting a Smooth Fixed Gear Drivetrain | Pt. 2 of 2

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Күн бұрын

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Most people that ride fixed can point to one thing that keeps us riding fixed: the buttery smooth, interconnected drivetrain that lets you feel like you and the bike are one. This is part 2 to the Ultimate Guide to Getting a Smooth Fixed Gear Drivetrain, so you can really enjoy one of the best parts of riding fixed.
5. CNC'd over stamped
There’s two main manufacturing methods for chainrings and cogs, and the one the manufacturer chooses impacts how durable and smooth running the components will be. The short and simple of it is CNC’d cogs and chainrings run smoother and are more durable than stamped ones. That’s all you need to know.
4. Chain quality
First, chains should be durable and not stretch easily since once a chain stretches too much, it won’t run smoothly anymore. Second, chains need to be strong as to not snap under the force of your monster horse thighs.
3. Chain tension
Proper chain tension is crucial for a buttery smooth drivetrain. If the chain is too tight, it will “bind” the cog and chainring. It’ll feel crunchy when pedaling and won’t be as efficient. Too loose, and the chain could potentially fall off which is unreasonably dangerous.
2. When to replace drivetrain parts
The chain has moving parts, and usually wears out the fastest. When a chain gets worn out, it stretches and can’t sit perfectly in the teeth, grinding down on your cog and chainring. Here’s how to determine whether your chain is worn out. First tension your chain until there’s no slack. Second, line up a ruler starting the inch mark at the center of a pin. Every pin should be on a half inch mark all the way down to twelve inches on a new chain. On a chain that’s been worn, the last pin will be past the 12 inch mark. If the center of the last pin is less than a sixteenth of an inch past the inch mark, continue to use the chain. If it’s more than a sixteenth of an inch past the inch mark, replace it. If the center of the pin is an eighth of an inch or more past the inch mark, replace your chain, your cog, and your chainring because you rode on that chain longer than you should have.
1. Clean and Lubricate
The number 1 tip to get your fixed gear drivetrain running smoothly no matter what parts you have is to keep it clean and lubricated. It will just run smoother period. Keeping it clean also increases the lifespan of your components, so they’ll run smoother for longer.
sources:
www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...
www.sheldonbrown.com/chain-we...
www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.htm...
www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...
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Пікірлер: 109

@mikefule330 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent pair of videos, thank you. I recently "chased a click" all the way round my drive train, replacing the 14 year old bottom bracket, removing and refitting the chain ring with new bolts, swapping the pedals ... and I finally found that it was my "new" KMC chain which was actually rather older than I remembered. When it was the only thing left to check, I got a Park Tool chain checker and it confirmed my suspicions. New Izumi chain, no click. I prefer to ride with my chain fairly slack, like yours. It still doesn't have as much scope to shake up and down as if I had a derailleur, and I have never had a chain come off my fixed gear, riding on or off road. Then again, I can't remember the last time the chain came off either of my geared bikes.

@jewellmaster4746 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. I am in the process of building a fixed gear bike, and have been carefully researching and buying components. Just taking my time so everything is done right. Some things of course I am leaving for the bike shop mechanic.

@FreeUpTheWeed 6 жыл бұрын

Ha! I just bought a chain wear indicator tool, before you released these videos. As well as a new chain, although it doesn’t need replacing yet. kmc chains ftw 🤘 I forgot about that half link note! Thanks Zach

@rollinrat4850 6 жыл бұрын

Chainline is the most overlooked aspect of single speed mechanics. It can be easily measured with a ruler. I’m a retired machinist and I used precision measuring tools to get my chainline within .010” !! Just because I can. My drivetrain is so quiet people wont hear me ride up from behind if Im using my slick tires!! I frequently ride with a cowbell.

@littlegoobie 6 жыл бұрын

do you ever feel you need more cowbell?

@mrkringlan 6 жыл бұрын

Always. More.

@rollinrat4850 6 жыл бұрын

Always !! Hikers and horses love it!!

@1Patient Жыл бұрын

My Eyeball has a tolerance of .010" 😀

@rollinrat4850 Жыл бұрын

@@1Patient Quality is proven, never assumed. You need to measure it to prove it. 'Eye balling' is also known as a 'guesstimate'.

@baka4k 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! My 2 cents: 1. There’s a chain wear checker made by Park Tool that makes the job really easy (~$10) 2. There’s a handy chain cleaner kit made by Finish Line/ Park Tool, though pricey at ~$35

@twotwoocritter 6 жыл бұрын

👍🏾👍🏾 from Atlanta. Keep up the great work

@cameronkeogh4177 6 жыл бұрын

I find it funny how old dura ace (aka old road race) components are so popular in the fixed gear community. Then again i understand cuz that stuffs bullet proof.

@blockhax6146 5 жыл бұрын

Zach, I’m not sure about ceramic bearings, but I tried the cream cheese with steel bearings and honestly it was awful. Which brand of cream cheese were you using when you tested? I’ve been using Philadelphia. Thanks

@Modehfyable 6 жыл бұрын

Good video. Gonna upgrade my shit this week

@scruffy_nerd_nerfer139 6 жыл бұрын

Lmfao "Smoother than packing ceramic bearing with cream cheese"

@savoirfaire8979 2 жыл бұрын

This information is also useful for single speed e-bikes.

@blakefx 4 жыл бұрын

I have snapped a track chain; it happened three weeks ago and I definitely recommend you avoid it!! Look after your drive train

@williamparker2922 6 жыл бұрын

Great video dude.

@matthewyates6877 6 жыл бұрын

Honestly after I take apart my kmc z410 then I might as well buy a new one because there like 5 to 10 bucks on amazon

@loopsdenver2454 6 жыл бұрын

Good stuff

@bullwhipjohnson8247 6 жыл бұрын

Cool dude. Through trial and error you'll get that dream drivetrain.

@beaterbikechannel2538 2 жыл бұрын

And knackered knees by the sounds of some if the silly high ratios everyone is using.

@BlaxKid22 4 жыл бұрын

Great resource for new and seasoned cyclists looking to make their bikes ride as intended

@ramiroesquivel4380 6 жыл бұрын

I think I can see that the first basket you had was the Wald 137 but what about that new new?!

@muhammadufuk5482 7 ай бұрын

Hi Zack, I plan to setup my drivetrain with 14t single speed freewheel,so what's the best chainring should I use? Is it ok if I put 38t chainring or smaller for my leisure ride style of riding?

@3xlgamer907 6 жыл бұрын

I have a couple questions. You recommend the Mercier Kilo TT Pro. I'm wanting to be able to run more than skinny tires on my bike so I'm looking at the Mercier Kilo WT; is there any reason to get the TT Pro over the WT? Is the WT everything the TT Pro is plus wide tires? Thanks

@nefariousstylo9943 6 жыл бұрын

Surly 48t chainring and 17t ACS freewheel, my KMC track chain has about 500-700kms on it with reasonably no problem but my first granfondo put some serious stretch on it. The chain is expensive, are there any that won't mind high cadence and hills? I don't want to be burning through several chains a season.

@omar23994 2 жыл бұрын

As a fixed gear big fan I wonder if I could change my chain to belt drive?? And if there are any obstacles to do so

@queendama1070 Жыл бұрын

hey man my rear cog and lockring keep slipping is this a common fixie thing or should i replace/uprgrade

@TheUltimateULTRA 5 жыл бұрын

you do all add drop outs right?

@Ulman33 6 жыл бұрын

You didn't mention centering the chainring

@uvsvdu 3 жыл бұрын

at 3:00 there's a cassette with 2 cogs, and no derailleur. obv to change gears you'd have to get off the bike and do some retensioning, and the chainline would not be perfectly straight, but i am curious about it. what can i do to find more about that?

@MrJSTroy 3 жыл бұрын

Can you please name the first cogs so I can easily find them online thanks

@vestigios68 2 жыл бұрын

whats ur thoughts on Kmc Z1 Ehx Wide???? cheers

@alienrefugee51 5 жыл бұрын

I've been told NOT to soak your chains in acetone or paint thinner because the pins on chains have a special lube and cleaning it like this will take it off. You're never going to be able to re-lube in those tiny pin holes properly. I think soaking in a degreaser is ok because it won't really remove the factory lube as much. Tip: Use a Q-Tip to clean the spaces in the chain. I found a toothbrush also works well to remove gunk.

@psychoaiko666 6 жыл бұрын

Most ppl seem to agree on the half inch play, for me too that's the sweetspot. And of course your chain isn't going to come off, I've done hundreds of km (get over it America, metric system is superior) on looser totally worn out chains with absolutely no problem. OK granted I have one of the most high-end chainrings around (rotor noQ), so maybe it's due to that.

@psychoaiko666 2 жыл бұрын

Goddammit @Bebo what are you, a lil kid? Going back commenting on old vids🤷 smh My first fixed gear bike was a converted Giant Swift (with Colnago fork), reused the old dura ace parts cuz they were still in good order. In the metric system distance, volume (m³ and liters), pressure (bar) and and temperature (°C) are all interconnected in a series of 10. Of course it is superior to a hodgepodge of 3s 6s 12s idk and fractions. Also, metric is based on scientific data instead of a dead king's anatomy.

@albertohart5334 6 ай бұрын

Yo I’m in Australia: what if the chain pin is before the 12 inch mark????

@shunpo2427 6 жыл бұрын

hey man I want to talk to you about building a fixed gear bike, would I be able to e-mail you to ask for help?

@jaetok 6 жыл бұрын

Does this bike sound good? From Retrospec Bikes: 4130 Chromoly Frame & Fork Forged Alloy Crank & 42T Chainright Sealed Cartridge Bottom Bracket Sealed Bearing High Flange Hubs 700C Double Wall Star Rims Kenda Small Block 8 Pro Cyclocross Tires Alloy Flat Sweepback Handlebars Low-Pro Pedals

@Bungalow86 6 жыл бұрын

If you want to get the chain ultra clean, use degreaser and water mix and throw the chain in an ultrasonic cleaner. Will literally clean it just as good as taking apart every link. You just have to buy an ultrasonic cleaner ..

@ShoulderValley 6 жыл бұрын

7:13 take the chain to you LBS and payy the 5$ for an ultrasound clean. worth it!

@Tanoforfucksake 3 жыл бұрын

Izumi Super Tough chain worth $100?

@SeventhMarch 4 жыл бұрын

@3:36 what is the gear ratio?

@davesnothere2744 6 жыл бұрын

I have had my half like for like a year and it’s fine I use it on a bmx tho

@richardcook2865 3 жыл бұрын

Chain tensioning is easy. Unless you have a vintage road bike frame conversion with the old dropouts😖😖

@ruisearts 2 жыл бұрын

What's the bike @2:50? Thanks

@MrKirbz14 6 жыл бұрын

I'm new to the fixed gear scene, currently riding on a 46/16t gear ratio. When I get better on riding, I plan to upgrade my crankset to Sram Omnium. How do I determine which crank length is the best for me? Right now I'm running on 165mm which came in stock.

@beaterbikechannel2538 2 жыл бұрын

Hilly area? use 170-175mm cranks for that ratio. Your knees won't thank you running a 75 inch gear with 165mm cranks unless you're an experienced track enthusiast or live in flat holland.

@rollinrat4850 6 жыл бұрын

If you are setting up a new fixed or single speed bike attention must be paid to chainline. This will ensure the chain stays put and doesn’t launch off. If will help drivetrain last longer and run quieter. It is ESSENTIAL to a dialed in bike. Chainline refers to how straight the chain runs between cog and chainring. To measure : 1. Remove r. wheel, measure distance between dropouts and divide by 2. 2. Measure from center of cog to outside of locknut where it touches dropout. Subtract this from 1/2 of dropout measurement. This is wheel chainline. 3. Measure diameter of seat tube adjacent to teeth on chainring and divide by 2. 4. Measure from seat tube to center of chainring and add 1/2 of seat tube. This is crank chainline 5. Compare the 2 calculations, if they are within 2mm you are good and straight. If they aren’t, you need to make adjustments. You can adjust by moving spacers on rear axle and then you would need to redish the wheel. You can also move chainring onto inner position if you’re using a double crank. You can change the bottom bracket to a different size spindle or some higher end BBs such as Phil Wood or Raceface are adjustable laterally. You also may be able to add a freewheel spacer under driveside cup. Read SheldonBrown.com for more details. It sounds like a lot of work , but its not really. It will make your drivetrain operate nearly silent, last longer and give you the peace of mind of a perfect bicycle.

@psychoaiko666 6 жыл бұрын

Or if you're lazy you just go with the bb-size advised by the manufacturer of the cranks. Nowadays everything is standardized so you don't have to use your brain that much anymore. If your doing a conversion however the method described by Robert Trageser is crucial, since old road frames vary in their spacings, mostly running between 125mm and 130mm rear hub spacing. Be weary of French bikes though, as old French bikes have absolutely no set standards. It might happen that the bb, headset, stem, fork and seatpost only fit that particular frame. Even hubs are not exampt from that. It might be that the cranks only fit that bb, or the stem only takes the stock bar. So yeah, be careful with old French bikes, they're total chaos.

@rollinrat4850 6 жыл бұрын

Standards in the Bike industry?? Do you know how many BB ‘standards’ there are? Headset standards? How many different drivetrains?Nothing is standard. Thats a good joke! Half the challenge of being a tech is figuring out what parts fit any bike!

@psychoaiko666 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, I am aware, but still (at least in fixieland) there are some standards like all bb housings are 68mm wide, geometry pretty much set in stone, fork widths and so on and so on. Of course there will be stupid people trying to fit a crack made for something like jis103 on an iso111 bb, messing up bsa and ita thread, but with a little bit of common sense you can't go wrong. Fixed gear bikes are simple machines.

@psychoaiko666 6 жыл бұрын

Remember we're on a fixed gear thread here. Of course there's all different kinds ways of installing/mounting parts on bikes, but I don't think we have to mess around with road bikes, mtb's, bmx's or omafietsen,😁

@rollinrat4850 6 жыл бұрын

psychoaiko666 Like I said its really not that difficult to check, using a ruler and calculator. I have the “Do it once, do it right” attitude when it comes to fixing and maintaining things. Even if I bought a brand new bike I would disassemble it and rebuild. I dont trust my life to many people, least of all some underpaid assembler in Asia!

@fakealexstrong 6 жыл бұрын

If your chain is like realllly gunky. Brake cleaner does actual wonders for a touch less process of getting that stuff off !

@Losimantom 6 жыл бұрын

Alex MkvTurbo damn what CANT brake cleaner fix

@fakealexstrong 6 жыл бұрын

Losi idk man! Done me right many times 🤙🏽

@psychoaiko666 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah brake cleaner is the greatest. And for lube, why go with some of that expensive shit, a fucking can of wd40 work just fine. You can even use it as deodorant!

@arewestilldoingphrasing6490 6 жыл бұрын

Two words: monster energy

@fakealexstrong 6 жыл бұрын

psychoaiko666 I gotta disagree, while wd40 will work, it really picks up a lot of dirt and the chain will get dirty faster

@TheMrDavidCurran 6 жыл бұрын

Paraffin wax bath, thoughts and opinions?

@MikeThePike316 6 жыл бұрын

TheMrDavidCurran: Do it. I usually remove my chain once every 200 miles (bi-weekly), soak it in a solvent, and then bath it in paraffin wax/mineral oil. My chain stays cleaner than using an oil-based lube, and I don’t have to relube after it rains. I did the same for my wife’s bike.

@beaterbikechannel2538 2 жыл бұрын

3:40 I'm just letting my brain take in that chainset.

@everydaybacksbroken2886 3 ай бұрын

To be buttery smooth, butter itself might be a good lubricant.

@jonesparza2323 3 жыл бұрын

My chain has only fallen off once when I haphazardly changed a flat and then just slapped the wheel on. I was bombing a hill and went to skid before the intersection and that's when it flew off. Scared the shit out of me and I destroyed my brand new shoes

@Opteron67 3 жыл бұрын

50/50 acetone/ATF

@chasemorse149 6 жыл бұрын

You used to say one inch each way dad that's probably the reason I got hit by that car when my chain came off.

@stevenn6722 6 жыл бұрын

Ok zach

@nicolajhardbass1608 5 жыл бұрын

Well I had very bad experiences with stemped chainweels

@sebastianrudnicki3949 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats on getting the ads! be pro!

@Ryan_Rides 6 жыл бұрын

How do you not mention The Izumi Track chains?

@ZachGallardo 6 жыл бұрын

Izumi makes great chains too, but I don't have extensive experience with them. I try to recommend what I have experience with and what I like.

@Ryan_Rides 6 жыл бұрын

I've been riding the Izumi super toughness track chain and it's actually quite smooth and strong as heck. I've had the same one for about a year now and I keep my bike as clean and lubed as I can (I love I'm south Florida [rain+salt+sand] and it's better than any kmc or half link chain I've rode). Also got mine on sale the second time for $65 I think from fixfixie bike shop.

@josequilez5449 4 жыл бұрын

@BeboSaab you must not take care of your izumi chains bro. That's ass backwards information

@lucassoares4084 6 жыл бұрын

What about chain carbon belts? Any thoughts or opinions?

@mmcampbell9991 6 жыл бұрын

Zach please weigh in on this...

@SkeetSystem 5 жыл бұрын

Can you not use quicklinks on track chains? Seems like you can clean the chain a lot easier that way.

@ZachGallardo 5 жыл бұрын

You can use them, I just prefer not to. I personally find it easier to use a chain tool, but quick links are perfectly fine.

@hehahohee 6 жыл бұрын

Is there a difference between the KMC Z510 and the Z410?

@MikeLPleasant 5 жыл бұрын

QUESTION PEOPLE OF ZACHGALLARDO LAND My rear wheel feels like it might be binding a tad. How free should a fixed wheel spin? My chain is not too tight so the next move is to loosen the cones right?

@vencibushy 6 жыл бұрын

For future reference - 7005 alloy is a lower quality one compared to 6061. 7005 has almost the same mechanical properties as 6061 but its heavier. It's cheap too. A part that is made of 7005 is by no means high quality. It's actually bottom of the CNC'd range. The best parts are manufactured from 6061. That is why automotive industry uses this alloy.

@Ryan_Rides 6 жыл бұрын

WRONG

@BicycleGladiator 5 жыл бұрын

did you miss meeeee?

@casparatherton8548 3 жыл бұрын

could we just have an hour long video of you saying 'buttery smooooth'?

@finalbattle777 6 жыл бұрын

cold forge stamping creates a material way stronger than cnc-ed ones. especially when it’s the same piece of material for both. your argument is flawed. one of the reasons people go with cnc as well is due to the cheaper cost when manufacturing in low quantities as you do not require a mould.

@finalbattle777 6 жыл бұрын

Séamuis tell me about it. a little off topic but it’s probably why there’s so many reports of thomson stem faceplates cracking.

@finalbattle777 5 жыл бұрын

i was wondering why those cranks look so chiselled. tell me about it, though i do love the precision on cnc parts, there's just something about it being right down to the millimeter. I just try not to have them on parts with high stress points.

@LGBhull 6 жыл бұрын

WAX YER CHAIN DUDES

@Charles-wz9sd 6 жыл бұрын

Three words, Wax your Chain. Yes, it is tedious but it is the smoothest drivetrain you will ever use. It will also the lowest drag drivetrain you have.

@TheMrDavidCurran 6 жыл бұрын

Charles Lo I do this on my mountain bike and cross bike mainly for the cleanliness factor (can't get muddy if it's hydrophobic) but it is a bit of a ball ache to do.

@FreeUpTheWeed 6 жыл бұрын

Doesn’t it have to be redone regularly too? Depending on use/climate I suppose. What’s your experience been like, frequency and nuisance etc? As my drivetrain is smooth enough, but for the “clean” factor I’d like to try.. Cheers! 🤙

@TheMrDavidCurran 6 жыл бұрын

My chain lasts about 3/500kms on my mountain bike before I redo it, so it does last for longer than traditional wax style bottle chain lubes, but I ride in a relatively dusty, dry climate ('Straya). That works out to me having to re-do it every other month, and is easy enough to set aside to do it's thing while I do my normal service schedule.

@JeffWagen 6 жыл бұрын

Charles Lo I was about to say that, I personaly use a mix of parafin wax and SAE90 gear oil, it lasts more than 300 kilometers or around 150 miles without losing the lubrification.

@sweater7630 4 жыл бұрын

I found wax dosnt work in the rainy environment that I live in

@everritcheong8553 6 жыл бұрын

i have about 3 years of expirence as a mechanic to mention to the audience...the part about overhauling your chain is a joke.......its impractical...unsafe...and just a bad idea...issa joke...dont do it...