Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - chain tension for vertical dropouts

I have recently converted my bike to single speed, but it's got vertical dropouts. So i have a tensioner, but how do i make sure i haven't got the chain too tight or too slack . To set the chain tension up i first shortened the chain as much as i could and then fitted the tensioner. Is this right or have i mucked it up. Any help and advice would be great Thanks

Shaggy:confused:

Didnt the tensioner come with directions?

You've got it. If it's too slack, you'll notice right away and probably be dropping the chain or at least have skipping. With a tensioner, I doubt you'll get it too tight.

Also, always best to run the tensioner in the "push up" mode if possible, allows more chain wrap on the rear cog.

I don't like tensioners.......I'd spend the bucks and go for the eccentric B/B.

Originally posted by George
I don't like tensioners.......I'd spend the bucks and go for the eccentric B/B. You can't use an eccentric BB on a standard frame, it needs a special large BB shell. A few people will do a retro-fit, but it's a bit expensive.

Tensioners are a good, cheap way to see if SSing is for you.

Other options are:
-use a half-link on your chain
-file the dropouts or axle if all you need is a little play
-Get an ENO eccentric hub from White Industries - a little pricey though
-Have new dropouts installed

Originally posted by riderx
-Get an ENO eccentric hub from White Industries - a little pricey though


Opps!.........sorry, that's what I meant originally. Hub, not B/B.

I don't use tensioners, and I ride fixed, but I would say have a tiny bit of play in your chain. There is no reason to have a slack chain. Just keep it tight and it won't fall off (which is generally the goal of good chain tension).

it's on a trials bike so a new bb is out of the question as i would just demolish it any way and i can't have my drop outs altered because it would mess up the wheel base plus they aren't standard dropouts they are called 360 degree dropouts (name speaks for itself so wont explain). So am limited to a tensioner really

for a trials bike, don't you need 6 working gears? or is it a mod...but in that case it should already have horizontal drop outs...

it's a stock bike so it has vertical drop outs and the drop outs can not be altered. It isn't used in competition so to loose weight off it i have swopped over to single speed. Just want to make sure i have the chain tension right as i don't want to be snapping chains all the time.