Chain tensioner advice

BG2000
BG2000 Posts: 517
edited June 2010 in MTB buying advice
Can anyone recommend a chain tensioner for an XC hardtail that's specifically designed to prevent chainsuck ?

My middle chainring is quite close to the chainstay (probably only a 2mm gap).

This is partly because the 'stays are very wide at the point level with the middle chainring, and also because I'm running a 42T middle chainring (it's a double with 28T granny and no outer). So I'm worried that if I get chainsuck on a muddy ride, it'll trash the chainstay and bend the ring out.

I do find the chain jumping off the chainset on very bumpy sections, so a tensioner should help with that too.

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Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    there is nothing.

    why not change your chain line.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • FunBus
    FunBus Posts: 394
    there's the old style "Ping" chain tensioners (chainstay mount). Not the best, but it is what you're asking for.

    Most KMC chains, higher in the range advertise characteristics to help prevent chain suck, so that might help as well??

    I did have a sample of a bracket that fitted behind your BB and had an arm to stop the chain wedging itself behind the cranks, but i never bought into it because thought it was a bit gimmicky....and until now, never seen a demand for it!

    I'll have a rummage and let you know if i've still got it, but think its long gone to be honest!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    there are bolt on devices that tried to stop the chain getting sucked up.

    like

    tektro_chain_suck_device_gr.jpg

    but no tensioners as they would only be a good as the lowest tension part of the system ie the mech spring.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • BG2000
    BG2000 Posts: 517
    Thanks guys - in theory, as I've got brand new TA Chinook rings and a new SRAM PC990 chain, I shouldn't be getting chainsuck problems, as I presume that comes with worn chains/shark-toothed rings etc..

    I'll check my chain length too - it may be longer than needed. You're right in that the derailleur provides the tension, so chain length will affect that.

    As for adjusting chain line, I've currently got a 68mm BB shell with a GXP BB, so I'm using the 2.5mm spacers each side. I guess I could put both spacers on the drive side, with nothing on non-drive side. Does anyone else do this ?

    Hopefully the offset in pedal Q-factor wouldn't matter too much. I mean no-one is symetrical anyway, are they !?

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