Mountain Biking - singleators

are singleators good ? i want to put one on my bike.. because im a single speed user and i need something that will hold the chain good enough actually better than the normal derailleurs so the chain wont come off, for big jumps..
also i heard it runs alot smoother than derailleurs.. so what do you think should i get one ? :P

thanks

wait, i'm confused aren't single speed bikes "one" speed?
so you don't need derailleurs right?
if you are talking about a chain guide, then i would recommend one, atleast i want one...
good luck

He uses his derailuer as a type of chainguide to keep the chain tight and from coming off the cog and chainring. As far as I know, the surly singleators are pretty good. I haven't heard anything bad about them so I'd say go for it. What ratio are you running?

The Surly Singulator works and works well. You can reverse the spring which allows you to tension (push) the chain up in stead of pull it down. Running it this way actually gives you some additional wrap around the rear cog and I have never lost a chain in this setting.

ah ok i guess ill go for it dont know if ill find a surly one.. theres a good one from point too.. thanks guys
FF 6800: yeah i need a chain guide.. you cant take off the wheel if you dont have any chain guide and i dunno if it would work good with the chain all TIGHT.. its not like the bmx bikes :P

http://www.dirtyparts.ca/jack.html

If I was building a SS I'd want a Surly Singleator

Get a Rennen Rollenlager. Nice and tough.

http://www.rennendesigngroup.com/

ah cool thanks for the replies, what should be better ? pushing the chain down or.. pushing it up ? pushing it up.. sounds like more friction to me
also i think pushing it down looks cooler :P

I just put a surly singleator on a bike, it seems to work well, it can be adjusted for chain line.

With the spring pushing up it wraps more of the chain around the rear cog which is supposed to help reduce the chances of the chain falling off.

If your gonna run a singulator(almost a derailluer) you might as well run a real derailluer and a shifter. Seriously I would never run anykind of tensioner on my single speed.Track drops and tugnuts baby!!!!

no way ill never put a shifter back on.. too many cables :P and no space on the handlebar with shifters.. and.. also.. i think when you have less on the handlebar you have more "confidence".. atleast works for me lol

If your gonna run a singulator(almost a derailluer) you might as well run a real derailluer and a shifter. Seriously I would never run anykind of tensioner on my single speed.Track drops and tugnuts baby!!!!
I smell a snobby elitist! It's about the ride, big guy, not the gear. Sorry we all can't afford some nice, pre-made SS. Some people have to make do with what we have.

Ok, I'm a bit of a snobby elitest too. My cheaper suggestion that would still have a good cool factor, and less weight as well as less overall crap is to rebuild your rear wheel with the white industries eccentric hub:

http://www.whiteind.com/ENO_Products/eric.html

I smell a snobby elitist! It's about the ride, big guy, not the gear. Sorry we all can't afford some nice, pre-made SS. Some people have to make do with what we have.
I built my SS using old bmx parts and a Walmart bike.So if that makes me a snob for riding a $45 bike then so be it.Guess I'm a snob then (http://photobucket.com/albums/d70/myron896/?action=view&current=bikesnthings002.jpg)

I built my SS using old bmx parts and a Walmart bike.So if that makes me a snob for riding a $45 bike then so be it.Guess I'm a snob then (http://photobucket.com/albums/d70/myron896/?action=view&current=bikesnthings002.jpg)
Go back and re-read what he said. Turn the comprehension switch on this time.

Go back and re-read what he said. Turn the comprehension switch on this time.
I have read it and I do understand. Do you even rock an SS or fix?

I have read it and I do understand.I doubt that, seriously or else you wouldn't have made that comment. He was responding to a snobby ass comment you made about track nuts and the like. For those of us converting a bike with vertical drops a tensioner is the quick and easy way of approaching things.

Do you even rock an SS or fix?:roflmao: I've built my fair share. Why do you care anyway?

Ahh I see now.
Ronin's Forum Info
Joined 12-25-05

Your newbishness is showing

Another good thread teetering on the edge of ruin...

Ronin, Walmart really sells bikes with track dropouts? I'm assuming they face backwards, is that right? WHat kind of bike was it to begin with?

Oh, I meant to add, another downside to a singleators is that, like a derailluer, you can rip it off on a nasty rock.

While I lust after the ENO and have one on the converted fixie, I run a singleator on the SS MTB. You could also take an old derailleur and use it as a chain tensioner if you wanted to get it up and running on the cheap and quick.

I'm runnning the push down spring on my Singleator and haven't had any problems with dropping the chain yet. If I had more cogs to play with I could probably get a push up spring to work, but if it ain't broke...

If your gonna run a singulator(almost a derailluer) you might as well run a real derailluer and a shifter. Seriously I would never run anykind of tensioner on my single speed.Track drops and tugnuts baby!!!!


I'm with Ronin...I think a singulator somewhat defeats the purpose of a SS.

But i _do_ appreciate Trekkie's comment. I am a snob, tho! :)

I'm with Ronin...I think a singulator somewhat defeats the purpose of a SS.
Why? By making a frame with vertical drops and a conventional BB SS compatible without a special hub? We're not talking about a fix here.

Im really not a bike snob. I just love bikes and I do feel a singulator kinda ruins it. Having said that Yes,Im a noob on this forum. I am not new to cycling or forums however. I am a senior poster on other forums. The mart bike was just a run of the mill hard tail.With reverse track drops.You can still run a tugnut on them to prevent axle slip. I have other bikes that are also SS or fix as well. While it's not for everyone Sheldon will sell you track drops for about the same $$$ as a singulator. I have ridden bikes with singulators and there really is no compare to a pure SS. Thats why you see so many post about why does the chain skip and so forth with singultaors. Multi gear frames do not really make very good SS bikes. I should have been more thorough in my first post and not sounded like such a snob.Raiyn the reason I asked if you ride a Ss or fix is because after reading your other post I think you are just a poser who does not know about SS or much else for that matter. Head over to the ss forum to spread some more of your "knowledge'. By the way Raiyn good job flaming us "noobs" that will keep you in good standing for some time.So yes I am new to this forum Raiyn,but one thing you will never see me do is poat about something I don't have experiance with. Such as downhill or freeride. Unlike you I make sure I have a clue first.If you want to know about frame building,welding,painting,SS,or fixgear I will be glad to help since I have hands on experiance on those areas. Now let's put this behind us and enjoy the ride.Peace.

I have a brand new Van Dessel 32h FlipFlop (fixed/free) MTB hub and a used KORE Chain Reactor tensioner (can push or pull) to get rid of. PM me if interested.

Raiyn the reason I asked if you ride a Ss or fix is because after reading your other post I think you are just a poser who does not know about SS or much else for that matter.It's not really wise to insult me, you really don't want me as an enemy. That plus you're violating several guidelines in that last statement.
By the way: Being a senior member doesn't mean anything other than you posted 50+ times (or whatever the site requires) so I'm not at all impressed

Head over to the ss forum to spread some more of your "knowledge'.I don't feel a need to post in there anymore as the last time I was in there it looked like a slightly more mature version of the BMX section, and was in danger of being removed from the website. I have nothing to prove to you or anyone else, my record speaks for me.

By the way Raiyn good job flaming us "noobs" that will keep you in good standing for some time.You really don't get it do you? My standing here has no basis in how many "noobs" I flame. My reputation has been built on giving people the right information and not letting two bit know-it-all's walk all over me

Unlike you I make sure I have a clue first.:roflmao: You really are new aren't you? If you'd been around longer you'd know better than to make a silly statement like that

If you want to know about frame building,welding,painting,SS,or fixgear I will be glad to help since I have hands on experiance on those areas. I'll ask if, and when I need to, and I'll do so gladly. I'd be asking more so on the frame building / welding portions than anything else

Now let's put this behind us and enjoy the ride.Peace.Best thing you've said yet in this thread:beer:

ok i just bought it.. the point one and its exactly like the surly one but.... it doesnt work at all there is hardly any tension on this thing.. and now i screwed it up for good no more tension at all now.. im trying to figure out how to BLOCK it when im putting it on the frame.. any ideas ?.. :( i never thought something like this could happen to a point product..

hmm weird the forum wont let me edit my post.. anyway looks exactly like this: http://www.mountainzone.com/gear/assets/gearjunkieblog/singlespeedcloseup2.jpg might be point as well..

Hey, this does like a better alternative to the singleator (as per Trekkie's post):

Get a Rennen Rollenlager. Nice and tough.

http://www.rennendesigngroup.com/

PS Trekkie: I'm Nice, smart and pretty

ah lemme guess it doesnt do any tension to the chain right ? so thats like fixed.. i might have a chance to do the same to my point singleator

Hey, Could you current singleator problem be fixed by shortening the chain? Its hard to tell form the pic what's wrong though. WHat do you mean by BLOCK it?

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

its not my pic its just a random one :P anyway.. it just doesnt have any spring at all now so i gotta make.. it fixed.. like never move gotta find a good way for this.. thanks

Sure a singleator is a cheat to buying a frame with sliding dropouts or horizontal drop outs, but if you don't have the money to get a frame with sliding or horizontal drop outs, it's a really good solution.

its not my pic its just a random one :P anyway.. it just doesnt have any spring at all now so i gotta make.. it fixed.. like never move gotta find a good way for this.. thanks
Did you even READ THE INSTRUCTIONS?

SURLY® SINGLEATOR TM
Thanks for buying our Singleator single-speed chain tensioner. You've made a wise choice, Grasshopper.
Installing horizontal dropouts on your frame can be difficult and/or expensive, particularly if your steed is of the aluminum variety. The Singleator mounts to your derailleur hanger and provides a simple, effective, and adjustable means of tensioning the excess chain slack found in vertical dropout single-speed drivetrains.
We've made some improvements over the last version. The main body is now forged versus CNC-machined. And, we've replaced the chain guide loop with circular chain guide plates, so the new Singleator is compatible with 3/32" and 1/8" chains.

READ ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION!
WARNINGS:

1. This product was not designed for any purpose other than for use on a bicycle with one chainring, one freewheeling rear cog, one chain, and
one rear derailleur hanger. This product is not for use with a coaster brake or fixed gear. Don't do it. You could die.

2. Don't attempt to install this product unless you completely understand the instructions, have the proper tools, and possess the skills required.
This installation is best left to an experienced, professional bicycle mechanic.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Remove all the gear-shifting-related crap: shifters, derailleurs, multiple chainrings, cogs.

2. Choose the desired front chainring and rear cog combination, and install these parts. Cogs larger than 24t could pose a problem, so keep `em smaller than that.

3. Size the chain, and install it. The chain should be as short as possible without binding.

4. Reposition the chainring and cog, as necessary, to ensure a nice, straight chainline. A good chainline is the key to an efficient, quiet, and long-lasting drivetrain.

5. Are you using a 3/32" chain? If so, proceed to the next step. If you are using a 1/8" chain, you must turn both chain guide plates 180 degrees, so the beveled edges are facing the pulley. See the diagrams on the back of this page.

6. Thread the Singleator assembly onto your derailleur hanger, but don't cinch the pivot bolt down yet.

7. Align the Singleator pulley under the chain and tighten the pulley shaft bolt. Perfect alignment will be important later, but for now, just get it close.

8. Now, it gets tough. You have the choice of having the Singleator run under the chain and PUSH UP on the chain, or having the Singleator run on top of the chain and PUSH DOWN. Depending on the configuration of your frame, what gear you are running, and how much chain slack there is, you may be forced into one position or the other. The Singleator is shipped with the PUSH DOWN spring installed, because this configuration accommodates most drivetrains. If you have a choice, PUSHING UP will give you more chain wrap, and PUSHING UP will lessen the chances of your chain skipping over the teeth of your cog. However, if you want to PUSH UP, you must change the spring.

9. Changing the spring. See the diagram for the assembly sequence. Pull the Singleator off the bike. Use a small, flat-bladed screwdriver to pry off the C-clip. Removal of the pivot bushing and plastic seal will give you access to the spring. Swap springs, and reassemble your Singleator. Make sure the spring tabs are fully seated in their anchoring holes, and that everything is well greased.

10. Thread the Singleator back onto the bike, but don't cinch the pivot bolt tight yet. Position the pulley under or over the chain, per your spring decision. Perfectly align the pulley under/over the chain.

11. Tension the Singleator spring by slipping an 18mm cone wrench onto the wrench flats of the pivot bushing and tension as follows: PUSHING DOWN spring, turn CLOCKWISE. PUSHING UP spring, turn COUNTERCLOCKWISE. If you do it wrong, you're going to ruin the spring. Once you have adequate tension, fully tighten the pivot bolt.

12. Spin the drivetrain, and make sure everything is properly aligned. Your drivetrain should be straight, quiet, lubricated, and not rubbing. Bounce the bike around, and make sure you have enough tension on the Singleator. Increase/decrease tension and align as necessary.

13. Quit whining about having to buy an 18mm cone wrench or Surly Singleator wrench. Form follows function, and these tools are inexpensive.

14. Go ride. Always check your Singleator for damage, problems, and proper adjustment before each ride

There's nothing difficult about putting one of these on


edit: fixed the word wrap issue to make the instructions easier to read

ah thanks just read them now :P problem is my spring is ruined and gotta get another one from a damaged good derailleur.. thats my only chance

Why? By making a frame with vertical drops and a conventional BB SS compatible without a special hub? We're not talking about a fix here.


Mostly because it's not "clean," and I assume there'd be that annoying chainslap.

But, as I said, I appreciate it for those who can't/won't shell out the cash for the other options.

PS Trekkie: I'm Nice, smart and pretty

Well, I guess you're perfect then.

Heh, indeed.


Did you get it fixed eXistenZ? Can you recoil the spring?

cant do anything to the spring anymore.. it is.. fuked.. im looking for a new spring from a damaged derailleur

edit: actually.. **** it.. im gonna leave my old derailleur as it is now.. this stupid singleator made me enough problems

thanks everybody for your help