Singlespeed - what to do?

cobbi69

I've recently made the conversion to singlespeed. Having trialled it for some time with a normal frame and a chain tensioner I decided to purchase a frame with horizontal dropouts. This was because my chain tensioner was pretty rubbish and every 20 minutes or so I had to put the chain back on as the tensioner wasn't doing a very good job, either losing tension or not lining up correctly.

Now I have a frame with horizontal dropouts but I am told that with quick release hubs I need to use a chain tug to maintain tension (not expensive but also not ideal). I haven't ridden the new frame yet and I'm starting to wonder if I would be better of swapping back to my old frame (which is a 853 steel frame and fits me perfectly) and get a better chain tensioner. Therefore:
1. Are there chain tensioners available which are faultless?
2. Would you suggest the new frame with horizontal dropouts a better choice?
3. Would anyone like to buy a brand new on one frame (size 20") in blue which has already had the bb faced?
To be fair, it's possible that the last one may not apply yet?

Hope you can help.

The Rookie

Eccentric bottom brackets are the way to go, but that aside.....

Yes if you are suing QR you'll need a chain tug, but why not just convert to a nutted axle instead of hollow?

Many chain tensioners work well, those that push up (sprung) or are fitted so they push up (unsprung) seem to do better, lining it is crucial, if YOU didn't line it up right then don't blame the tensioner (workmen and tools and all that).....a tensioner can be made from an old rear mech using a short pice of cable with nipple in the adjuster barrel to set the alignment.

Simon

naive

I have a 4-jerri tensioner which you can get from http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/chain-tensioners-29-c.asp. It works fine, and is fairly adjustable.

I managed to get the chain length close enough that I can almost run it without a tensioner at all though, and the sprocket is very nicely lined up with the chainring, which is important.

I would much prefer to go with horizontal drop-outs, and one less moving part, but not enough to get a new frame!

Cheers

AndrewBF

I've used Rohloff tensioners on my two SS bikes over the years. Faultless, never a problem. But they are expensive...

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m13b184s2 ... RS_GB/6568

I get mine from Wheelspin cycles in Huddersfield who specialise in Rohloff stuff. You might be able to get the tensioner cheaper than at the price above as they don't sell them as a item but sometimes have spares in stock.

http://www.wheelspincycles.com/

Ask for Andy, and tell him Andrew sent you

cobbi69

The Beginner wrote:

Eccentric bottom brackets are the way to go, but that aside.....

Yes if you are suing QR you'll need a chain tug, but why not just convert to a nutted axle instead of hollow?

Many chain tensioners work well, those that push up (sprung) or are fitted so they push up (unsprung) seem to do better, lining it is crucial, if YOU didn't line it up right then don't blame the tensioner (workmen and tools and all that).....a tensioner can be made from an old rear mech using a short pice of cable with nipple in the adjuster barrel to set the alignment.

Simon

I use my wheels on other bikes which all use quick release, so converting to a nutted axle would restrict the wheel to my singlespeed bike alone wouldn't it?


The general consensus seems to be that chain tensioners are fine as long as you have a good one and it is lined up correctly. Is that fair?

ride_whenever

What hub are you using?

On some you can tap a thread into the hollow axle to run bolts in lieu of a nut

louse

or use a half link or half link chain.
file the old drop outs.

play about with the cog sizes to get the perfect fit.

See the topic in the FAQs on it.