GEBE Tension Arm/Belt Junp Issues Solved

[augidog]

i've refined tweaking the stock tensioner as far as i can...getting everything flat & true is the key...some great input in this topic...i always carry a spare spring now. my ring is not completely true, so tensioner theory is crucial to me.

recently, i made a climb to mt st helens that taxed the system pretty hard, long 6% climbs mixed with 40mph+ downhill runs...pretty grueling on the stock arrangement...by the second day, i had added a "tuned" bungee-cord helper that made all the difference.

 

[AndyT]

Thought I would bump this for anyone that night need to see it.

 

[augidog]

good idea...and while re-reading i realized some folks missed this spring-info from gebe: http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=18550

 

[fm2200]

It's too bad you had to modify your stock set up, I would think that the GEBE folks would put these items in their kit. This is not the best thing when you only get a little use and then encounter this adjuster malfunction. I think it would be in there best interests, if they made these items you mention available in their stock kit as a standard set up.

 

[AndyT]

Just to clarify, most GEBE owners never have any problems. I tend to be a perfectionist, and always "improve" everything I own. The only thing that I really had to do for my build is add the extra spring. The other mods improved things a bit, but unless you are having problems, or are looking for a project you shouldn't bother.

Overall, the GEBE kits are well thought out and nicely made.

 

[motorbikemike45]

I had read this before I got my GEBE kit, so I used your ideas from the start. I couldn't find nylon washers thin enough locally so I cut some from a polyethelene bottle in the recycling bin. The bottle was marked HDPE (high density polyethelene). I lubed it with a thin layer of some water proof plumbers silicone grease I had on hand. I haven't needed the auxillary spring as the tensioner has not been jumping at all. So far it is working fine.

 

[AndyT]

That's good to hear. The spring mod is only for those having problems with the tension arm. The nylon washer (brass would work as well) is more to prevent any sticking issues that could develop.

Since not every bike is the same, most come with cheap wheels, and not every kit is exactly the same (all parts have tolerances), some may have minor issues and some don't. There are many variables. The old "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" applies here.

GEBE quality is terrific, and they are one of the best companies I have ever dealt with. I will definitely buy more kits in the future.

I recommend that serious riders purchase at least the Eagle/Velocity rear wheel with the high quality 105ga stainless spokes. I had GEBE install a new drive ring for me on their wheel, and it has worked out great. You won't worry about spoke breakage, and the drive ring runs perfectly true. I wish I had done this when I first purchased my kit.

 

[cpuaid]

does anyone know where i can get a replacement ball which screws onto the tension arm lever? i don't see that part listed on the GEBE site. i've had problems with my tension arm moving back and forth due to the drive ring not being perfectly centered and after a 25 mile ride, i noticed i had lost mine somewhere along the way. right now I have a nylon acorn nut in it's place but it just looks weird.

 

[AndyT]

does anyone know where i can get a replacement ball which screws onto the tension arm lever? i don't see that part listed on the GEBE site. i've had problems with my tension arm moving back and forth due to the drive ring not being perfectly centered and after a 25 mile ride, i noticed i had lost mine somewhere along the way. right now I have a nylon acorn nut in it's place but it just looks weird.

Give GEBE a call. Julia should be able to hook you up with a ball.

The McMaster Carr catalog does list them, but you will need to figure out the diameter and thread size.

McMaster-Carr Catalog

 

[cpuaid]

Thanks for the tips guys. I now have a spare belt and spare spring in my back pack. Augidog, it's nice to know that even YOU don't have a trued wheel ring! That tension arm going back and forth drives me crazy.