Do I need a front chain guide?

[FarHorizon]

OK, so since I like to tinker, I'm now converting my 'bent to an internally-geared rear hub. This means I can lose the front derailleur & triple cranks (Yay!). In their place, I'll stick a single-speed front chain wheel, used with a coaster-brake-single-speed type (wide) chain.

Question: Will the front chain wheel need "Wetzikon rings" (http://cyclocrossworld.stores.yahoo.net/comtasinkit.html) to keep the chain on? It would seem to me that if the existing triple doesn't need guards, the single chain ring shouldn't either. What say y'all?

[bentrox!]

No.
and...
That's right.

[lisitsa]

Unless its badly adjusted, the chain will not move off the front ring, so I agree the answer is no.

I loved it when I put on an internal geared hub on my beater roadie. Getting rid of that derrailleur and extra chain length felt so good.!.!.

[FarHorizon]

...Getting rid of that derrailleur and extra chain length felt so good.!.!.

Hi Lisitsa!

Your post brings up another question ( :o ). Since my 'bent has vertical dropouts, I'll still need either a derailleur or a chain tensioner to keep the slack out. I'm familiar with derailleurs, but what's a chain tensioner? I've seen them and they look like a single articulated arm held out via spring tension with a cog on the end to keep the slack off the chain. Do chain tensioners mount to the same socket in the dropout as do derailleurs? Is there any reason to prefer a chain tensioner over a derailleur? Enquiring minds want to know! :p

[lisitsa]

Chain tensioner just looks neater as it doesn't have all the extra stuff a derailleur has. Its much smaller as well. Yes it fits in the same place.

[JanMM]

Check out the surly singleator on surlybikes.com. I have a singleator on my hybrid Cannondale that's set up as a singlespeed. (vertical dropouts)