Chain Tensioner check out this auto chain tensioner

[masterx1234]

i just bought an auto-chain tensioner from ebay, this thing is well made!, you can get one here: http://bit.ly/jk15ht

also heres pics of mine"

 

[RedBaronX]

looks easy enough to duplicate

 

[tone2crazy]

looks easy enough to duplicate

definately. now i've got a project for the weekend.

 

[BoltsMissing]

Let us know if you have trouble with the swivel after a few rides, there is a suggested tip to render it.
had to modify mine and worked a charm afterwards.

 

[BoltsMissing]

I ain't got a camera so I use these links to get the idea from it's pictures.
But it ( spring tensioner) needs the needle roller type at the swivel.
It keeps coming loose when these bearings were not used.
Not cheap though. About AU$25.00, for quality, but fixes the problem.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrust_bearing

http://www.timken.com/en-us/product...lethrust/Pages/NeedleRollerandCageThrust.aspx

 

[RedBaronX]

it looks though that if the swiveling arms loosens up, it would just drop down that big long slot. THAT would be catastrophic...

 

[masterx1234]

the swivel arm has a locking washer sandwitched between two locking bolts, and the its free swiveling, means its not turning or affecting the bolt holding it together

 

[BoltsMissing]

the swivel arm has a locking washer sandwitched between two locking bolts, and the its free swiveling, means its not turning or affecting the bolt holding it together

It's not about the bolt to be precise. It's about the arm's side clearance. It gets side slack. With a needle roller thrust bearing, it can be tightened up to zero tolerance, locked in place and get a smoother action.

 

[motorpsycho]

that looks like the cheap stock chain tensioner, with a peice of flat steel, drilled and bolted to it with a spring and a cable clamp added.

I made one out of a tensioner to convert a 10 speed to a single speed bike. the tensioner i used takes place of the derailer on a 10 speed. it has an aluminum arm, with a steel shaft, brass bushing, and a steel derailer type gear. it cost me $15.00, and about an hour to modify it to fit my bike. i would rather it have a bearing than the brass bushing, but i keep it greased and it shows no signs of wearing out. it's been on my bike for 2 years now.
here's what i bought :
http://cgi.ebay.com/DH-DOWNHILL-FRE...Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fb1888ee

here's what i made it into:

 

[RedBaronX]

the swivel arm has a locking washer sandwitched between two locking bolts, and the its free swiveling, means its not turning or affecting the bolt holding it together

doesn't mean that it won't loosen up