Single speed - back wheel removal

Steve I
Steve I Posts: 428
edited March 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
This might be a bit of a stupid question, but if I convert a vertical dropout frame to single speed using a chain tensioner, how do I remove the back wheel to fix a puncture etc? Presumably, there won't be enough slack in the chain to be able to pull it back, like in a multi geared bike, and allow the wheel to drop downwards. I'm suspecting that the chain has to be split somehow.

Comments

  • Bikedevil
    Bikedevil Posts: 1,156
    Erm as far as I'm aware the tensioner is adjustable so you should be able to just slacken it off
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Steve I wrote:
    This might be a bit of a stupid question, but if I convert a vertical dropout frame to single speed using a chain tensioner, how do I remove the back wheel to fix a puncture etc? Presumably, there won't be enough slack in the chain to be able to pull it back, like in a multi geared bike, and allow the wheel to drop downwards. I'm suspecting that the chain has to be split somehow.

    same as normal really. sorry but i dont see the problem.
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  • You usually have to remove the tensioner to drop the rear wheel out anyway. If you dont need to you will find that the wheel will drop out of the frame without touching the chain tension anyway. Theres no need to split the chain.
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  • Steve I
    Steve I Posts: 428
    Thanks for the all the replies, much appreciated. Reading between the lines, it seems it's not really going to be a problem getting the wheel out. I still find it hard to believe it'll be as straightforward as removing the wheel from a derailleur bike.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    you can always backpedal and get the chain to derrail that way... much easier then, especially if you have high chain tension.
  • Steve I
    Steve I Posts: 428
    I'm curious, why would it derail if you back pedal? A bike with a rear mech doesn't derail if you back pedal.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Because you are also pushing the chain across, I do enjoy it when i forget to add critical steps to instructions.

    By a similar turn you can do the same with a derraileur bike, but it is pretty pointless
  • doobie919
    doobie919 Posts: 119
    Ive got my ironhorse set up singlespeed using a surley singleator, this one is a good one because it has a spring loaded in it to keep it tight so you just slide it down to slacken chain and pull wheel out.

    If you don't have a singleator you gotta unbolt it for a minute while you change the tire.
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  • Steve I
    Steve I Posts: 428
    Thanks for that doobie, I was considering the singleator. It's a bit pricey, but as they say, buy cheap buy twice.