Originally Posted by
Tapeworm21
I have chain tensioners on my single speed road bike. It's easier to get the right tension on the chain after taking off the wheel. I have to reset them everytime I put the wheel on btw.
I thought I had to do that too on my new Redline 925. But reading here on BF.net I learned that I only had to loosen the axle nuts more so the tensioners came loose and could swing out of the way. Of course that would depend on the design and amount of chain tension....
Found a couple of YouTube vids on tensioning.
I like to set mine up pretty much like this first one or perhaps a hair tighter at the tightest spot....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thb1UER1ous&NR=1
But I try to avoid this other extreme...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHka80Jqikc&NR=1
Copied from Sheldon's site on chain tension....
Once you have the chainrings centered and secured, adjust the position of the rear axle to make the chain as nearly tight as possible without binding. Notice how freely the drive train turns when the chain is too loose. That is how freely it should turn when you are done, but with as little chain droop as possible.
I did it as told back when I started SS'ing and still do it this way now.