robo

About 7 years ago, I converted my old steel Stumpjumper to a singlespeed. At the time, all the chain tensioners available used a single jockey wheel to tension the chain. I tried a generic one, which never worked right (the chain would slip on the rear cog, no matter how carefully I adjusted the tensioner), and then a Surly Singleator, which worked a lot better, although the chain would occasionally hop off the jockey wheel (I'm using an 1/8" chain). Anyhow, after 7 years of somewhat reliable service, the Surly Singleator died today (the jockey wheel fell off on the road and was lost).

Looking at the available options, there seems to be a new type available, which just has a (nylon?) spool looking thing and no spring tension. Like this.

Do these work well? Is it better to stick to a jockey wheel system like the Surly? FWIW, I was using the Singleator in the 'push down' configuration, due to only having that spring available (I bought it used), but push up would be preferable obviously.


Thanks,

r

Bianchigirll 

That looks more like something you use on a tandem or downhill bike. Try using an old rear derailleur that is what I use on my IGH conversion as a tensioner.

Dan Burkhart 

I don't know if Renold makes a Roll Ring for a 1/2 pitch chain, but I stumbled on this a while back and thought it might be worth a try.
https://www.renold.com/Products/Trans...=614&MenuID=39
I've tried solid cogs as ghost rings with varying degrees of success, but I think something like this just might work.

Sixty Fiver

State of the art = short cage derailleur.

Have never found anything that works better for singlespeed than this and they tend to be a fraction of the cost.

dave s

The link the op posted is what is on my new SS, maiden ride was friday night. A buddy built it for me in trade for some bike stuff. He uses it on all of his conversions and thinks it's the best he has found. I cannot argue with a short cahe RD, but I'm happy so far.
YMMY

dave s

robo

thanks for the feedback. The soft roll-ring looks problematic for bike use because it looks like it could be easily knocked out of place, although the idea of using a (rigid) ghost ring is appealing.

Dan Burkhart 

I think the pliable ring would be more likely to stay in place because it has built in tension. It's something I'd really like to try.

jolly_ross

If you use a Singleator in push down then the chain is permanently trying to undo the singleator's "axle" bolt.

I had a singleator this way around - which came undone and fell off too. Miraculously I immediately noticed it and it was on a hardpacked trail where I was able to find all the pieces without too much trouble.

The lesson is to loctite the bolt, which I did and have had no problems since.

Other than that I've been happy with the Singleator - the bike has since been retired but I still have the singleator in a parts bin waiting to be returned to service.

My experience of non-derailleured chains on winter bikes is: yes, they're simpler and you get to skip the mud and clay problems of a derailleur, but you end up spending just as much time continually keeping the chain in tolerable adjustment. Whatever you do use something that has a spring and a self adjustment capability.

My current winter bike has horizontal dropouts and won't mount the tensioner (I can't be dealing with the complexity of chain tugs with an integrated derr hanger). I'm using a Surly tugnut which works OK - but I do have to keep an eye on chain tension, particularly when they are new.

jolly_ross

Oh - and if you're going to put up with a non-sprung tensioner, these are an option

https://www.probikeoutlet.com/5548-59...stay-mount.jpg

I have no idea of their merit -other than they look a bit more fixie than a tensioner arm poking out at the back.

dbg

I don't like the singleators. On short-ish chainstay geometries they stick out and cause heel strike. I have one of these (below) ready to try out, but an old rear derailer is still my favorite.

(shimano alfine, I think)

fietsbob

The one Rohloff makes, works fine, It's what came on my bike , equipped with the Hub..

I made a simple fence chain Guide, to keep the chain from popping off, whan I spin the cranks backwards,
like running the chain through a rag to knock off excess grit, as I oil, the chain..

Pulley is Tacx, nylon, sealed bearing, 10t . chainline is adjusted with Shim-washers
since you only do it once ..

Pretty much state of the Mechanical arts AFAIK

2 models: one revolves around the mounting bolt,
[using the dropout stop the B screw presses against in derailleurs]

a shorter one bolts solid . they designated as Downhill [might not be as simple to do wheel changes]


That one linked to in the OP is like the rollers on recumbent drive trains
a Skateboard wheel with a groove cut in it ..
used to do things like keep the 6 ~ish~ feet of chain from sagging
as it returns to the bottom pulley, of the rear derailleur

mconlonx

+1 And they are usually cheaper. And they are easier to adjust. And you can run two gears in the rear, use the barrel cable adjuster to align with one or the other. And you can freak people out when you tell them you have a Campagnolo Record ss chain tensioner...