Recently purchased one of the “automatic” spring driven tensioners off of EBay, and was wondering how much better it can be than the stock one that came with the kit? I do quite a bit of off road riding, and have had the chain bounce away and off the tensioner. Figured it’s better but don’t know if it was worth the investment? Thanks for input in advance.
Re: Chain Tensioners?
- Thread starter Isvilla08
- Start date
Gordy
Well-Known Member
The only way I would use one of those is in conjunction with shortening the drive chain as short as you can get it by removing some of the chain links.
The best chain tensioner out there if you don't want to shorten your chain are the arc tensioners.
I do not run a chain tensioner on my bike. I just cut it to length. If you do, I just suggest you replace the wheel with a skateboard wheel. I did that before I finally took the time to cut it to length.
The best chain tensioner out there if you don't want to shorten your chain are the arc tensioners.
I do not run a chain tensioner on my bike. I just cut it to length. If you do, I just suggest you replace the wheel with a skateboard wheel. I did that before I finally took the time to cut it to length.
Sidewinder Jerry
Well-Known Member
Many of us opt for a fixed sprocket rather than a pulley, and it's a choice I fully endorse. On my rear rack mount, there's no need for a tensioner because I utilize the adjustable post-height to effectively manage the chain tension. Additionally, I incorporate an extra sprocket, which allows for increased contact with the drive sprocket teeth, ensuring optimal performance.
Dogsoldier
Well-Known Member
Best to not use tensioner if you can adjust rear wheel along with shortening drive chain, use the tensioner on pedal chain if you have to. Arc tensioner is best but still doesn’t sit vertically perfect.
I'll join the broken record squad.
Spring loaded tensioners are more of a supplemental tensioner to a chain that already has very little slack in it. If you try to rely on it for taking up more than a small amount of chain slack you will find your chain kicking off quite often.
Spring loaded tensioners are more of a supplemental tensioner to a chain that already has very little slack in it. If you try to rely on it for taking up more than a small amount of chain slack you will find your chain kicking off quite often.
Wolfie65
Active Member
The ideal solution is, of course, no tensioner at all. The fewer parts you need, the fewer parts can fail.
Depending on the bike, however, this may not be an option, you'll have to experiment.
My Hufferrari, for example, needs 2 chain tensioners - the stock death trap as well as a spring loaded one mounted to the clutch case, like yours - because it's a road bike frame and the angle of the chainstays is consequently very acute. If I run any other setup - and I've tried them all, with and without 4 different tensinoers - the chain rubs on either itself if too slack or the frame if too tight.
Depending on the bike, however, this may not be an option, you'll have to experiment.
My Hufferrari, for example, needs 2 chain tensioners - the stock death trap as well as a spring loaded one mounted to the clutch case, like yours - because it's a road bike frame and the angle of the chainstays is consequently very acute. If I run any other setup - and I've tried them all, with and without 4 different tensinoers - the chain rubs on either itself if too slack or the frame if too tight.
Schmidty Boy
Active Member
I did the exact same thing too, works great.
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