Position of rear axle in dropout?

Dear All,

I have fixed gear with standard horizontal drop-outs (not track ends, or vertical drop-outs).

I have just changed the chain and have the choice of either having the chain short so the axle is positioned about 1/8" from the open end of the dropout, or with two more links in to have it deeper and about 2/3rds the way in to the drop-out. What is the strongest/best set-up do you think please - I do not intend to change sprocket-sizes or the chain ring?

Nearer to the back I would say.

yep +1

+1

Agreed.. Question answered I guess..

Chances are you'll get a bit of "stretch" with a new chain. Go for the further forward option for now, then shift it back when it's bedded in.

nearer will give a little more twitch as you're shortening the wheelbase, long is more weight (a tiny amount - one link!) but a more relaxed ride. likely to be negligible either way on both of these factors- if you got a flip flop judge it to take both the bigger and smaller cog on both sides.

Safe or not safe

Not safe.

Take a couple links out and pull that sucker back in.

too big for 40X16 too small for 48X19

looks like it's 40X19 Spin action to the shop

"Take a couple links out and pull that sucker back in."

"Too big for 40X16 too small for 48X19. Looks like it's 40X19 Spin action to the shop."

No no no no no, what he said, adjust the chain, not the chainring and cog... for fuck's sake!

^ what he said +1

Safe or not safe

Take a wild guess.

Not remotely safe. Get a grip.

And buy a chain breaker. They're not hard to use.

They don't work without shengin (sic).

slam that wheel