Chain Tensioner Chain Tensioner

[Tinsmith]

Artic,

I'm new at this also, and the tensioner was an issue for me. I went to a rubberized roller from Tractor Supply as recommended by many on this site. It was much better than the one supplied obviously. I still had trouble getting it really dialed in and went to a sprocket tensioner. I was able to make mine, and haven't had the first problem since. I also attached a spring to even out the tension when accelerating. The JensonUSA site looks like a good place find something. If you read the past threads on tensioners something will click for you. The one I ended up making was a combination of several of the solutions others came up with. These guys have wonderful ideas and are always helpful. You will enjoy the interaction here. Good Luck

 

[Junster]

I'm totally with MrAlaska on this one. I took the tensioner off and tossed it. Use a half link in the chain if you need to then take up the slack with a "tee-shirt" shim. Makes your ride so much better, safer, less vibration. It takes a little fooling around to get it right if your bikes like mine and the rear dropouts have no adjustment. It is way worth the couple hours it takes to get it right.

 

[linnix13]

ok here is what you should do, get a block of uhmw(google it) and cut a square that will fit into the original mounting bracket, then just bolt it to the original chain tensioner(with the plastic wheel removed) and use a band saw to cut a groove for the chain, it will be rough for the first 20 or so km but once its worked in its perfect! had mine for 3000km without a hitch. i dont know how to put a pic up but if you email me i can send it to you, here look at the very first picture of my bike and you get the idea! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoBnnffu8kc

 

[Junster]

The best tensioner is no tensioner. It's pretty easy to shim the motor to get it right.

 

[linnix13]

yes

The best tensioner is no tensioner. It's pretty easy to shim the motor to get it right.

yes thats a good idea but the chain stretches and its easy to have the ability to just tap the chain tensioner with a hammer to adjust it

 

[Grease]

Look thru this whole list: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/1085-Chain+Tensioners+And+Guides.aspx

I particularly like this one because it has a side to side adjustment, and it has the guides so it is less likely to skip off. It should also work on left or right sides.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/RD707Y01-Surly+Singleator.aspx

It normally threads into a derailleur hanger, but I'm sure you could rig something up on the seat tube.

I was browsing around and found this for less cost than the Surly. You would just need to take the in/out bolt and swap it upside down so the guard is on the top. Then fabricate something on the seat tube or chain stay. I really like the in/out feature so you can align things perfectly.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16...s/Tensioners/Sette-Single-Speed-Tensioner.htm

 

[terri5212]

alinghning idler bracket

My chain stay and chain are at different angles which keeps the chain from squaring up with the idler roller.
By twisting my tensioner bracket to line up with the chain it no longer rides over on the edges.