Blackspire chain tensioner.... worth it?

frankspencer1979
frankspencer1979 Posts: 525
edited April 2013 in MTB buying advice
Have a SRAM X7 2x10 setup. Was thinking about getting a Blackspire Stinger chain tensioner and separate bash ring. Would be BB mount, not ISCG.

Anyone got experience of these? Are they worthwhile and are they a ball-ache to fit?

I'm a mechanical numpty, but willing to have a crack doing stuff for myself before taking it to the shop!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    it is not a tensioner. it just holds more chain on the ring. it does not add any tension to the chain.
    yes they can work.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • sheepsteeth
    sheepsteeth Posts: 17,418
    i have one fitted to my bike and it is the bb fit version. easy to fit and does the job nicely
    Harry von Big Sticks
  • WILL 1 AM
    WILL 1 AM Posts: 132
    Easy to fit on bb, especially if you have the hollwtech type bb, remove a spacer and the device replaces that spacer.
  • individual6891
    individual6891 Posts: 120
    Do you need a bash ring or can these work with 2x10 (without bash)?
  • widge34
    widge34 Posts: 900
    I have one fitted with double ring and a Blackspire C4 bashguard. No problems. Does what it is supposed to do.
    ----
    Widge.

    Bird Zero 2
    Trek Madone 3.5c H2 2013
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    Got a bb Stinger on the trusty Chucker (1x8) it's fit and forget. Roller is quiet as well.

    A little bit workmanlike compared to e*thirteen's finest but yer pays yer money...
  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    I've got a stinger, I'm on 2x9.

    Just make sure that you've got a spacer on the driver side (68mm BB shell, NOT 73mm) otherwise it probably won't work, as I found out.

    And yes, they work, the roller fell off mine at the weekend, I noticed because the chain was all of a sudden much noisier than normal.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • cwheatley1
    cwheatley1 Posts: 18
    Have I read this correctly, if you have a 73mm BB does that mean you cant fit a chain device ?
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Holy thread resurrection.
    Generally no, not a BB mounted one.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • cwheatley1
    cwheatley1 Posts: 18
    is there any other way of mounting one on a frame without ISCG mounts ?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    It doesn't mean you can't, it means you may not be able to.....the fact you can't fit a spacer outboard of the device reduces clearance and can cause fowling issues.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • cwheatley1
    cwheatley1 Posts: 18
    Ok, so how do I find out if I can ?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Fit it and see......you can 'eyeball' whether a flat plate coming out in line with the inner edge of the driveside crank will have a problem on not....
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • cwheatley1
    cwheatley1 Posts: 18
    It would fit, theres plenty of space, it only sticks out at the bottom. But it will cause the BB bearing cups to be further apart than designed, so surely this will impact on the way the shaft bearings run, wont it ?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    cwheatley1 wrote:
    It would fit, theres plenty of space, it only sticks out at the bottom. But it will cause the BB bearing cups to be further apart than designed, so surely this will impact on the way the shaft bearings run, wont it ?
    so you have not looked at any BB fitting manual then. (or device manual).

    it has no impact on anything.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Plenty of space? No clearance issue to the inner chainring bolts?

    Other points as Nick says.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • frankspencer1979
    frankspencer1979 Posts: 525
    cwheatley1 wrote:
    Have I read this correctly, if you have a 73mm BB does that mean you cant fit a chain device ?

    When I first posted this, I had a frame with 68mm BB; the Stinger fit no problem. I've since swapped my frame to one with a 73mm and the Stinger won't fit (no ISCG tabs on either frame.)

    It seems if you have a 73mm shell and are using SRAM/GXP BB then you can't have a BB mount chain device. Check my build thread for the discussion about it!

    viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12898076

    To answer myself, is a Stinger worth it? Yep, on the first frame I never dropped the chain once, but it has happened a handful of times on the new one. The bike still runs pretty quiet without one though.

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