Can you back peddle?

[Valiant]

Usually I can't because at some point the derailer pulls forward. Does this mean it's poorly setup or is this an inherent problem with having a such a long and weird chainline?

I over did it today and the and one a few links are bent

[arallsopp]

Yep. On the SMGTe always. On the Furai, normally. Sometimes the chain snags the power side idler (its not expecting to be fed links from the front) with the result that the chain dips and slackens off. Half a turn later, the derailleur spring kicks in and pulls it through.

being clipped in means I backpedal half a turn at almost every stop to get the optimum opening stroke. Mine's much better with a clean chain.

[Sigurd Mudtracker]

My Bents don't like it though the Kett is much more sensitive - I can easily do a half turn reverse pedal but if I attempt to wheel it backwards the chain rapidly ships to the smallest cog possible.  I suspect it's to do with chaintubes etc that isn't a problem under power in the correct direction.

Interestingly my Moulton exhibits exactly the same behaviour, but it does have a shorter chainstay length than normal.

[Valiant]

Yay I can now back pedal to my hearts content!

[clarion]

That's the way it should be!

But don't you think it'd be much more fun to pedal it forward?

[Valiant]

Depends, I've messed about with the chain so it goes forwards when you pedal back lol

[Kim]

being clipped in means I backpedal half a turn at almost every stop to get the optimum opening stroke. Mine's much better with a clean chain.

This.  (SMGT)