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

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.



With these tips, you can get your drivetrain running smoothly, so you can enjoy riding to the fullest and be Reasonably Dangerous.