How to Perfectly Tension Your Fixed Gear/Single Speed Chain for Buttery Smoothness!

On fixed gear and single speed bikes, a chain that's too tight feels crunchy and wears down the drivetrain parts faster; a chain that's too loose feels floppy, unresponsive, and can drop off (not what you want when riding brakeless). Here's how to perfectly tension your fixed gear or single speed chain for maximum buttery smoothness.
Wabi Cycles - The bike that's so good, it's the only bike I own:
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Portland Design Works 3 Wrencho (15mm wrench + tire lever):
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Finish Line Mechanic Grip Gloves:
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Muc Off Bike Mechanic Mat:
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Park Tool Foldable Hex Wrench Set:
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0:00 - How to tension your fixed gear/single speed chain
0:39 - Step 1: Tools
1:52 - Step 2: Installing the Rear Wheel
2:37 - Step 3: Initial Chain Tensioning
3:21 - Step 4: Adding More Chain Tension
3:58 - Step 5: Technique for Fine Tuning Tension
7:20 - Step 6: Checking Tension and Alignment
10:37 - Step 7: Secure Bolts
11:20 - Sponsor: Wabi Cycles
12:09 - Patreon Fixie Famous Shoutouts
#fixedgear

[@theonlyalan731]

When you wax your chain, you never ever ever have to worry about getting dirty from touching it. Pro tip.

[@multimediaproductionz]

💯thanks

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

The ‘Kickstand’ was clearly the focus of this vlog 😁

[@acetylcholine3]

i just got my first flat after riding 11 years on gatorskins. I've now decided that it's Zach's fault. Thanks, Zach! :)

[@christianvalencia7624]

Thank you for making this video. I've been waiting for this

[@ben6089]

That's a smart way of doing it, I normally just pull back as hard as I can and tighten it and hope for the best

[@alienrefugee51]

I find it much easier and quicker to adjust the chain tension with the bike upright, as apposed to upside down and resting on the seat and bars. You just need to sandwich the front wheel, so the bike doesn't move around too much.

[@joangregg4378]

Love the background music. You're so nice to Gary. I just flip my bike where ever.😊

[@ArjanGroe]

Thanks for making this video, this is what really bothered me not being really well documented on YT. There are some things about this method I would like to see different/clarified, but it gets the point across. And, I doesn’t need a stupid tire wedge tool.

[@justinrieger3133]

Cmon man, a kickstand? That's minus 500 fixie points for you

[@MelancholyMadoka]

I'm just here to get a justification notification 🙃

[@event4216]

It's all subjective. To me, kickstand looks not nice but it has practical use. Wiiiide MTB bars on FG bike to me look unnecessary - for my use as they make hard to go between cars. For some guys they look cool....it all depends from where you look at stuff.

[@keithchang8566]

i agree with the kickstand but he explained in an earlier video about the city he was cycling in and how they have ridiculous laws that didnt allow you to lean your bike on building walls :(

[@joelogjam9163]

Kickstands are coming back in a big way in 2024. Keep an eye out for all the fixie big dawgs rocking a kickstand on both sides of their rides.

[@roydrink]

But is it a NJS approved kickstand?

[@tay-lore]

I really like the way those bottle cages look! They're very minimal!

[@kennethward9530]

Can we take a moment and appreciate the chrome plated bottom bracket at 4:00 minute mark?

[@juanpecan7089]

i definitely did

[@JT-ny7ll]

If not out on the road, using a small rubber ball like a handball or tennis ball between the tyre and the seat tube makes it much easier and quicker to get the chain tension and wheel alignment exactly right in one go

[@romanrob]

Huh?

[@Pianist203]

Integrated chain tensioner bolts on frame are very handy. Makes chain tensioning and wheel centering so easy and precise. Also in case of freewheel, binding can be checked by lightly turning cranks backwards and if there's any resistance then chain is too tight.

[@event4216]

Bolts have to be loosened before removing wheel. Bolts can eat into threads of axle (can matter if you later use same wheels on a bike with thinner track ends). To me they seem like a gizmo exchanging one issue with a set of others.

[@Pianist203]

@@event4216 Good points, I've been a bit worried about what bolts might do to axle threads, but haven't checked it out (yet). Loose wheel moves easily in track ends so I don't think it'll hurt the threads. With nicer wheelset I'd probably be more cautious though.

[@Pianist203]

Today swapped my freewheel so I checked the axle threads. I got that frame last May and have done quite a lot drive train work, so I've used chain tension bolts often. Theres slight deformation of threads where bolt has contacted the axle, but it doesn't affect the nut turning at all. Screwing the nut with fingers, I don't feel any resistance or hint that threads are bad.

[@event4216]

@@Pianist203 On mine it's about same - slight marks and no difficulties tightening nuts (as marks aren't used by nut). I just fed up loosening bolt before removing wheel and opposite, yet not feeling they provide me any substantial service. So it's kind of cosmetics - shiny bolt in frame can look nice with cog, hub, chain...

[@Pianist203]

@@event4216 I can see that as annoyance, especially if you frequently take the wheel off. To me very precise tensioning and centering is worth of having to fiddle with bolts. I meant that I screwed the nut over marked threads (as test) and didn't feel any resistance. It's good to know that threads aren't damaged by tensioning bolts.

[@event4216]

I think there's a chance for another video of turning bike upside down, just using Brooks saddle cover and Nitto handlebar mat. Perfection has many aspects!

[@QuixoteX]

Your chain is so shiny!

[@sonymicronin]

You got the Michael Jackson fit on 😂 looking clean Zach

[@risue08]

I know it's a little random, but my mom listens to your voice while I'm watching your vids, and said you sound a lot like Tom Hanks. Probably the accent lol

[@beechizel8148]

Thanks bub. I bought a new bike for my nephew and I just found out he can't ride it because the chain keeps falling off. I'll grab a wrench and get it back to him, now that I know what I'm looking for.

[@mustacherides420]

I'm just here to recommend the PDW Wrencho, it's saved my bacon a couple of times and it's small enough to fit in a pocket

[@gbone777]

ngl your fit go hard in this vid I see you Zach 😎

[@user-mt6si6om2t]

How does you and Gary like climbing hills at Taichung City? Do you use any different ways to climb them as to San Fran.?

[@B_COOPER]

The chain tight/loose spots is more caused by chain stretch. It’s also nothing to obsess with trying to fix. Every single chain and sprocket driven system has it. Also, 1/8 chains will never derail unless you are running a SUPER loose chain. Way looser than track slack

[@Hepealecsandre]

flipping the bike upside down is subpar compared to it being upright since it messes up your bar tape and saddle along with the bike being extra flimsy when working on it

[@manoz6194]

How about titanium as a material for fixie frames? Will you do a video on that?

[@baraenbonus]

Nice:)

[@whyujockinmeson]

Just started working on bikes ,just redid one i found in the trash now im kind of hooked on taking them apart and building and maintaining. I learned a couple of new things. Thank you

[@lanceblack888]

How secure is that rear “drop”. It always seems to me that the chain under power would be pulling that wheel forward making the nut come loose? Why don’t single speeds use conventional downward facing drops? Down facing drops also eradicate the need for truing the wheel? Thanks for your advice! Laurence

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Need a 15mm wrench, can I recommend a Runwell

[@ItsMarkMcIntyre]

Did you add some kind of metal protector to the forky bit where your rear wheel hub slides into the frame? (I presume that's the technical term.) I ask because I also got a Wabi Special, but the paint in that area is scraping off from removing/reinserting the wheel, so I'm curious what you did to get that cool, shiny bit.

[@PopZR22]

He probably just scraped the paint off. If dropouts are painted, the paint will inevitably be ruined by tightening axle nuts, but that's nothing to worry about.

[@atastyspamwich]

That color way has chrome lugs

[@byronshort6721]

What kickstand is that? Thanks in advance.

[@benneilsen2915]

i have a kilo tt and one of my rear eyelets broke (my fault) and was wondering if anyone knew of any other ways of mounting a rear rack that uses eyelets onto the rear axle / nut.

[@mrsenpai3561]

can i put a quill stem on my threadless fork?

[@mrmrlee]

The faster 2-step way is just pull the drive side tight, fully tighten the nut, then lever the wheel to center with your thumb and tighten the non drive side. Done.

[@borkomotorko3111]

Question to everyone: whenever i i try to stop, skid or put more load on the pedals on my fixed gear its skipping a turn so i would like to ask what could the causes be?

[@ratoneJR]

Chainrings and cogs are almost never perfectly concentric. You need to find the tightest spot and adjust from there.

[@knjaznechrist]

and this is probably the most important information. also the chain on this bike is too tight imo

[@goshohgosh4568]

I keep my chain tight like this to prevent play between the back pressure and forward pressure.

[@zeddman]

but what if the tight spot is perfect and the loose spot is incredibly loose??

[@pollick1056]

Zach is so dripped out in this video

[@TL243]

The walk-in method is ok but with the bike in the Riding position nuts loose. get soda bottle or other round object and gently roll it between the wheel and frame. You can move the bottle to align the wheel and reach around and tighten the nuts.

[@t.justin.a]

Last week i build my first fixed gear bike and the drivetrain is so loud, i can't figure out whats the problem. The chainline and the tension is good but its still so loud. Is this normal? Is there a way to fix this?

[@BlackSupraC2]

one potential solution. facing your frame. the bottom bracket area may have imperfections from manufacturing.

[@alienrefugee51]

Most likely a chain that doesn't play nice with your chainring and/or cog. I had this issue a couple of times. Always opt for EAI Deluxe cogs. Buttery smooth and not too expensive.

[@Nasirisme]

thought fixed was supposed to be simpler dang i couldnt be bothered tensioning my wheel every time i pop a tire on my gravel bike

[@tonyfrancisco370]

​@@Just-Danthat's what she said

[@Nasirisme]

@@Just-Dan i... The point was its less simple than just throwing the wheel on and tightening it

[@Brantastic07]

1:15 To answer your question it’s because most trainers require a specific type of qr axle

[@mikerossi4741]

Centering a chainring using Sheldon Browns method takes some time, but is well worth the effort. No more tight spots! Or at least way less noticeable.

[@roydrink]

“That’s what she said” 😂

[@mattvanderwalt6220]

Two words - 'chain tugs'. Just one on the drive side can make this process way simpler :-)

[@kristiandawe85]

Otherwise known as chain tension adjusters, I put a set on my fixed gear and it makes things just that much easier

[@YJLin-ss1qp]

For newbies, yes, those help. However, if you're a minimalist who wants the bike to look as simple and clean as possible, definitely learn how to do it without one. It's not even that hard...

[@mattvanderwalt6220]

@@Just-Dan if you are a gorrilla like me and manage to shift wheels no matter how hard i crank on them.. they're a nessecity. 😅

[@IamSpiders]

Well at least I know my chainring is a bit worn out lol, goes from no chain wiggle to loose af.

[@EekiFighter]

I have to correct that three quarters is 19mm of slack not 75mm that says on video.

[@galenkehler]

If you use larger cogs and chainrings you won't need to use as much tension so it's easier to set up. (Also I'll never buy a fixed gear without integrated chain tensioners)

[@ilikewasabe]

Finally glad to see you went to the kickstand side of life, the practicality and the ease of life that it brings. Commuter life

[@lucretiuscaro]

But why are you not using chain tensioners?

[@jasonparrish5204]

Great video! I have a bit of interesting trivia about me. I was a bike messenger in DC for about five years and have been riding track bikes for over thirty years. I’ve been to the ER twice in that time both from working on my bike. Once, I got my finger caught in the rear sprocket while cleaning the chain and the second when my wrench broke while installing the rear wheel and cutting my wrist. Rode to the ER with blood spurting out of my wrist and needed many stitches. Feel free to share this ridiculous story.

[@tbz1551]

Also, a relevant tip is to NEVER use a frayed rag when working near a moving drivetrain. I have 9 fingertips due to a rag getting caught when I had given wheel a final spin after finishing up and leaned ever so slightly too far over drivetrain. Index finger from fingernail up taken clean off as it went instantly between chain and rear cog and plus the added force of the rag jamming it into cog. I had to run into house to get ice and bag to put tip in and in doing so the dog got out. Then had to get fingertip out of cog and into ice, corral dog and then carry bike back inside while waiting for drive to hospital. They don't bother sewing a fingertip back on apparently, especially when I had put it in the bag with the ice and not in a bag inside a bag of ice. I have improved aero now though.. and 10% less time clipping my nails. I have been to the ER 23 times in 52 years (road, mtb, DH, ice hockey, also enjoys a drink). There will be no miles left on this body when I'm through with it. 🥴

[@WaterboardingInstructor]

watched your chain tension video from years ago yesterday and thought "I wonder if he'll ever do a new video about this?" weird

[@DaniOrdo]

This happens when you live in the simulation.

[@ric_man]

What happened to the Brazil nut joke?

[@Dan-hs2rl]

Bruno mars

[@GdF420]

Zach, in the intro no need to address yourself to us like we're stupid - Thanks

[@event4216]

10:55 It rattles just like drive train of my bike)

[@greengonzonz]

Hmmm it is weird.... Trying to articulate an action that you've done 100 times. Easier to do than to explain. Well done

[@aurteekay6339]

I wish I could say the only time my chain gets loose was when I take off my tire and or fix a flat…. But uhhh you know, bmx 😂 not exactly “easy” on a bike. You’ll get the tire and chain perfect, super tight, and then go off a curb once and the wheel shifts a bit and you gotta a readjust. With a one piece crank it’s not bad but when you have a 3 piece it gets really irritating. I just keep two wrenches in my back pack all the time at this point

[@zmaxboost1]

Nice ear ring, I'm glad you found the courage to finally come out😂

[@johnhatfield1070]

Earrings and a Panama. You’re as smooth as a wart hogs knacker. You managed to prolong a simple task into an episode for which I commend you. Lets do something great. You and me riding Cycle America coast to coast, Seattle to Boston. I’m English and 66 years old. Fixed 4300 miles……. Come on Zack it would make great footage although I know you’re tent averse.

[@Codbeast101]

I’m going to do this for my motorized bike so the chain stops falling off

[@AlexYaroff]

Or just install tension bolts 😅

[@angel16359]

Day 69 asking Zach to climb Wuling Pass with his bike.

[@psychoaiko666]

Actually just tighten the driveside as far back as it goes, then push straight and tighten the nondriveside. Hey presto, you're done🤷

[@axeldominguez9551]

OMG what's with the ear rings???

[@gasolinespeedshop4473]

This is such a bad advice, please people, don't follow this "tight each side at a time" step. It's not that rare to cause the nuts to "eat" the axle material if tightnen crooked. The best, old and easy way is to have a tennis ball/dog soft ball between tyre and frame, adjusting the tightness of the chain by pushing the ball further, then tightening the bolts equally with the wheel straight.

[@SlicedAsiago]

Chain tension and a smooth drivetrain aren't related. This technique you are showing only works well on drivetrains that are composed of quality parts. Cheaper parts tend to be oval causing chain tension issues. Also your chain is too long. Great video.

[@DaniOrdo]

I dig your channel and The other channel too, The Zachy one, but man what is with those big ass earings? Coz if its about '' The message" for '' modern audiences'' as in The Critical Drinkers words, imma gonna '' go away now '' and look for something else to watch. PS: ❤ the subtle "that's what she said" bit in the video 😅

[@michaeljohnson254]

bro your wearing some 80 year olds costume jewelry....

[@Ober1kenobi]

Me riding single speed Nah, BMX that chain 😂

[@MetalPanic]

I belived excentric work is just the low end cranks/chainrings problem,but i see its not.I cant belive that bike industry cant nip out this problem. :(

[@knjaznechrist]

the best solution to this problem is to just get used to it