Advice on fixed/single speed set up

ive got a raleigh vitesse and no idea where to start with the cog settings. is the number of teeth on the cog specific to size of the frame? ive bought a cog a while ago but the chain keeps missing teeth on the cogs.

any ideas

1. What size is your chain (might be too narrow)

2. How old is the chain (might be stretched)

Probably worth spunking £10 on new chain. Make sure it is 1/8" inch (i.e. BMX).

There are 2 'sizes' of teeth for singlespeed, your chain, sprocket and chainring need to match - advisably. So, you have 3 3/2, and 1/8". This could be reason one.

Did you fit a new chain when you fitted a new cog? If no, your chain could be worn and therefore not sitting on the teeth properly.

Do you have the correct chain tension? If too loose your chain will slip over the teeth on the cog.

Hope this helps!

utfs or sheldon

no i didnt get a new chain, i just assumed i could bodge it to fit. its not a single speed frame, its a vertical drop out

If it is a vertical drop out, you're going to have real problems getting the right chain tension (search "magic ratio") unless you want to start taking a file to said drop outs.

To check if the chain is worn/the correct pitch, lay it over the cog and check that it sits against the teeth properly. If there is a bit of a gap, change it.

read tonights london lite

whats london lite? i dont live in london, is it online?

the easiest option would be to get a horizontal drop out frame, but the frame is perfect for me and has awesome paint

whats the file for

Filing

bastard?

It is so that you can adjust chain tension by moving the wheel forwards and backwards. It's a bodge, but I know people that have done it.

Realistically, you'd still need a near-magic ratio, as the 1mm of adjustment isn't going to do much.

Chain tensioner?

Fixed? It won't handle braking forces.

Oh yeah. Sorry!

i preferably want a flip flop cog set, ive seen plenty of single speeds with horizontal drop outs but its the specific parts i can figure out. i dont want to blow a load of cash on parts which wont work/fit

read tonights london lite

Gold

Go read Sheldon Brown's site and read up on fixed gear and single speed that will clear alot of things up for you such as dropout type and chain tension.