When I used to run a tensioner years ago, my roller assembly just exploded all over the place, thats when I decided to reconfigure things to run it without a tensioner ever again...lol.
Mine isn't truly a tensioner sprocket but rather helps the drive sprocket engage an extra tooth into the chain.
www.staton-inc.com
That's the exact sprocket I have on my bike in a fixed position.The Skateboard roller as an idler is a good idea. They are usually much wider and built out of some pretty tough materials.. They also tend to come with double roller bearings to be able to support higher loads.
An Alternative option would be to ditch the cheap plastic wheels and go with an actual idler sprocket. You would have to build an appropriate spacer to set alignment, but this would allow better control over the chain, and thus allow for a looser tension to be run.
Examples:
This is the type often used on spring tensioners, but there is no reason it can't also be used in a fixed application.
Sprocket Idler 10 tooth 410H 415H 40 or 41 3/8" ID
Sprocket Idler 10 tooth 410H 415H 40 or 41 3/8" ID
So this is basically what you suggest, but yet specifically for bikes with engines?
Yup, the only thing is those are the same cheap bearings. You should get some Bones Reds or Yellow Jackets.So this is basically what you suggest, but yet specifically for bikes with engines?
Easy Racer Chain Roller Guide
May work decent but still won't be as good as using a tensioner sprocket setup. All he needs is the sprocket which will be cheaper than buying it the Easy Racer. You'll eventually wear out the ER long before you'll wear out a tensioner sprocket.So this is basically what you suggest, but yet specifically for bikes with engines?
Easy Racer Chain Roller Guide