fixed wheel conversion - newbie question

miles said:

Hi,

I've just converted my old 70s racer to a fixed wheel bike, and I'm
trying to get the chain setup right. I've read lots of articles about
it, which all make sense, but one thing confuses me: what is binding?!
What are the symptoms of a chain which is binding? Sorry if I am being
stupid but I could not find a description on the internet.

A binding chain is pretty obvious, so don't fret about it. If you have
the bike on a stand, and you turn the pedal with your hand, you'll feel
increased resistance at points where the chain is binding. You should be
able to get the wheel and crank to stop at the point of binding. Check
the chain when you have it stopped. It will feel taut, like a stretched
rope.

--
Dave
dvt at psu dot edu

Everyone confesses that exertion which brings out all the powers of body
and mind is the best thing for us; but most people do all they can to
get rid of it, and as a general rule nobody does much more than
circumstances drive them to do. -Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and
novelist (1811-1896)