Just converted my old bike to SS and think i overshortened the chain. I managed to get the powerlink together and roll the chain onto the sprocket ok. It fits tight without using the tensioner, but if you backpedal the chain offers resistance and the cranks will not spin freely.

My thoughts are its too tight, but as its my 1st journey into the realm of SS I thought i would gather opinions from the STW think tank! What would be the consequences of running it tight like this, am i just worrying about nothing or is it going to lead to a broken chain or premature wear?

Sounds like it's too tight. As well as putting the chain under strain (which, to be honest, it's built for so that shouldn't be too much of a problem) the bigger issues are the constant pressure on the bottom bracket / freewheel / hub bearings. These will wear out more quickly.

However, if it's only a little bit too tight and it's a new chain then you might find that after a few rides it "wears in" as the chain "stretches" and the bushings wear slightly.

: P

sounds a bit too tight i try to keep around 5-10mm flex in my chain

If you run the chain too tight, the whole drive train will wear quickly until it's all slack.

Yeah it's too tight. They should still spin backwards freely. I set it up so the chain can be moved up/down about 1cm without much effort. You just need to take the slack out of it, not make it completely solid.

Pretty much what I thought. It's an old chain at .75 stretch so it's due retirement. Will put a new chain on and leave it 1 link longer. Currently it is more like a guitar sting than a chain!

Cheers for the quick feedback.

Also a risk of fracturing the crank near the chainring bolts which may lead to a testicle/toptube interface problem.

Upside of this is your mates will think you're a singlespeed god with mighty thighs. 🙂

Are you using a tensioner at all, any give in that?

I have a tensioner and it was not needed before. With the new chain with the extra link It's needed and the chain is taut not ridiculously tight.

Just faffing with chain line via spacers on the BB. Think it's ok now just need a test ride to make sure its working proper like.

although it can wear stuff out quicker, generally, too tight is better than too loose

Is it tight all the time or does it go slacker in some places?
Possible off-centre ring at the front ?

Fit a half-link? Or a whole half-link chain? Did it on my Rockhopper awhile ago, was brill.