Can single speed chain be too tight?
Yes, absolutely. Too tight will cause extra drag, and increase wear on chain, ring and cog.
How do I know if my bike chain is too loose?
On a derailleurless drivetrain, you should be able to lift the chain about 1/2 inch above its resting position at the middle of the chain above the gears. If the chain is too tight, you might feel and hear binding in the drivetrain as you pedal. If it is too loose, the chain could skip or drop, and you can see it sag.
What happens if bicycle chain is tight?
Finally, if your bike chain is too tight it can cause damage to your components like the sprockets on your bike. This can also reduce the life expectancy of the sprockets and the dérailleur. You can test the chain is tight enough by ensuring you can only move it about half an inch in either direction.
What chain should I use for single speed?
If you have a single-speed bike or one with internal gears, the chain type will be 1/8″ in internal width. In this category you will find cruiser bikes, urban bikes, fixies or models with internal gears, among others. If you have a bike with a derailleur, with 2 to 11 sprockets, you will need chains of 3/32″.
Why does my chain slip when I pedal hard?
Most of the time, a skipping chain is caused by cable stretch. In the first half dozen rides on a new bike your shift cables stretch the most. They can also stretch over time as you ride. Hippley explains, “It takes cable tension to open a derailleur, which shifts your chain between gears.