FurryOnTheInside
In Memoriam
Oh dear, well you cant practically have a smaller than 36T sprocket on a 700c wheel or you'll never get up hills lol. I would not try to engineer my way out by moving the sprocket closer to the spokes with a home made rag joint either.. its actually probably safer to deliberately and carefully dent the tube, or use a different frame. You can look at using a narrower chain, bmx / single speed chain but you might need to grind BOTH sprockets narrower to fit it. It's another challenge, plus there's enough used bikes around lol.I currently have a 36 tooth sprocket. When it's been adjusted semi well it doesn't seem to run the seat stay, but always comes a bit loose after a week or two.
Yes, if you can lower the whole engine that will work wonders. Lifting the front wont help, though.