3-speed chain tension problem

Recently, my girlfriends Raleigh Sport three speed's rear whell slipped out of alignment. That was
no problem to fix though. I think over time the chain has streched. When I try to adjust the axle to
a more appropriate spot in the dropout and tighten the nuts, the washers slide back into the
"grooves" that they have worn in the dropouts over the years. The chain is way too slack the way it
is as it keeps clanking on the chainguard. Has anyone experienced this problem before? It is really
frustrating and I don't want to lossen and tighten those nuts once more until I know what is going
on. Any help is appreciated. If you need clarification, just ask.

Chris "pissed at the three speed" Atkinson

Chris Atkinson wrote:

> Recently, my girlfriends Raleigh Sport three speed's rear whell slipped out of alignment. That was
> no problem to fix though. I think over time the chain has streched. When I try to adjust the axle
> to a more appropriate spot in the dropout and tighten the nuts, the washers slide back into the
> "grooves" that they have worn in the dropouts over the years. The chain is way too slack the way
> it is as it keeps clanking on the chainguard. Has anyone experienced this problem before? It is
> really frustrating and I don't want to lossen and tighten those nuts once more until I know what
> is going on. Any help is appreciated. If you need clarification, just ask.
>
> Chris "pissed at the three speed" Atkinson

You'll get an earful of why three speeds suck from some wags here. Many of their points are well
taken but there are also many of us smitten and still in love.

It's possible to build up the worn frame ends with weld and finish back to crisp squared edges as we
do with 20" grinder bikes. That's excessive and anal, frankly, because often a big flat washer and
moving your no-turn washer to the inside will solve the problem.

It may be that the chain has worn such that there is no longer enough adjustment for the wheel in
the frame ends. Measure twenty four rivets. If it's more than 12-1/16", replace the (under $10)
chain. Your British full-roller chain is of much better quality than modern ones. I still see
originals well within useful spec so that may not be necessary. Measure.

Internally geared hubs are made with relatively hard axles and relatively soft axle nuts for ovbious
reasons. A chronically loose axle nut will indeed wear a notch in the frame end. Ensure your axle
nuts are not stripped. Use oil on the threads, the proper wrench size, and don't overcompensate for
a loose chain:

http://www.yellowjersey.org/chainchk.html

This is not rocket science. You can cure this syndrome and be your S.O's hero.

--
Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Either take a link out or buy a new chain. Chains are cheap. A standard coster brake 1/2 x 1/8 chain
fits her 3-speed.

Vin - Menotomy Vintage Bicycles, Inc. http://OldRoads.com

>Recently, my girlfriends Raleigh Sport three speed's rear whell slipped out of alignment. That was
>no problem to fix though. I think over time the chain has streched. When I try to adjust the axle
>to a more appropriate spot in the dropout and tighten the nuts, the washers slide back into the
>"grooves" that they have worn in the dropouts over the years. The chain is way too slack the way it
>is as it keeps clanking on the chainguard. Has anyone experienced this problem before? It is really
>frustrating and I don't want to lossen and tighten those nuts once more until I know what is going
>on. Any help is appreciated. If you need clarification, just ask.
>
>Chris "pissed at the three speed" Atkinson