Chain Tensioner Chain tensioner

[jototojo]

Hi people,
From argentina again, hahaha.
The other day i was ridding on my recently build 2 stroke bike when i hear a "clack" sound, and i see that the plastic part of the tensioner that turns around and guides the chain like moves from right and left, only the plastic part, the metal part is welded to the bicycle.
So this makes the chain go to the centre part of the wheel and finally it goes off the sprocket.
Guyyyss, WHAT CAN I DO!!???
HELP pleassse.
Thanks again.

 

[Oddzball]

You can buy chain tensioners all over the place. Chop the old one off with a hacksaw and get a new one, or replace the pulley on the old one.

 

[jototojo]

Yes but i live in argentina and its not really easy to get a new one, so im looking for a fix.

 

[Oddzball]

You can make one really easy.

You need a small pulley, a flat 1 inch strip of metal and a back to that strip of metal that looks like a clamp so you can put it on your frame.

Then its all about drilling a hole at the top to mount the pulley in and bending the lower part to clamp it to the frame.

If you tensioner is made of metal it will probably have a longer life span as well, just make sure it has bearings and is well oiled.

 

[jototojo]

Yeah, ill try that tomorrow and see what happens.
Thanks for your helpp!!!!!!

 

[jototojo]

Hello people again, i still cant fix this problem, i think im gonna cut the part i welded so i can move the chain tensioner far from the wheel, what do you think???
Thanks.

 

[V 35]

I saw an ' article ' on tensioners that suggested the tensioner be about 1/3 of the way from the rear sprocket. I personally agree with that theroy. Sportsman has the best setup I've seen to date. Simple, safe, tough. Whatever style you run, check it before every ride. I forgot to, and got bit when the bolt loosened, and the roller hit the spokes.

 

[motorpsycho]

The stock chain tensioners are marginal at best...they aren't very good at all.
You can buy an aftermarket one which can be expensive.
You can buy another stock one that will also fail.
OR,you can make one out of a 10 speed derailer if you're good.
look up downhill bike chain tensioner on e-bay and you will find what looks like a single derailer, with a steel cog in it.
these are used to convert multi-speed mountain bikes to single speeds.
You can easily make a chain tensioner out of one of these.
I made one and it took me about 30 minutes to modify it to work.
Plus, they are CHEAP.

 

[V 35]

The deraileur can be converted by using a spacer [ piece of steel fuel line ] and longer bolts. Remove top jockey wheel, for use as spare. The deraileur spring is plenty stiff

 

[motorpsycho]

The deraileur can be converted by using a spacer [ piece of steel fuel line ] and longer bolts. Remove top jockey wheel, for use as spare. The deraileur spring is plenty stiff

yes, but you will need to find one that has a steel cog on it. Most derailers have plastic cogs and they will not last.