Question Concerning Return Idler On RANS V-Rex
07-18-07, 01:10 PM
#1
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Question Concerning Return Idler On RANS V-Rex
I purchased the power idler (for my RANS V-Rex) from Terracycle, but they do not make the return idler. Does another company offer a better option than the stock return idler? Or do I not worry about the idler and replace it (when necessary) with another stock idler?
Does the return idler really make that much of a difference? Is idler performance only an issue on the "power" side of the chain?
Thanks,
Hank
Does the return idler really make that much of a difference? Is idler performance only an issue on the "power" side of the chain?
Thanks,
Hank
07-18-07, 01:17 PM
#2
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I'm still using the stock idlers on both sides. When the bearings go bad after 5 years or so of hard use, you just replace them with standard rollerblade wheel bearings. The Terracycle power idlers would probably be a small improvement, but I don't think replacing the return idler would gain you anything.
07-20-07, 08:15 AM
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bobkat
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I can really recommend the idlers by TerraCycle. The stock idler on my Burley was half siezed up with the power side still turning but the chain mainly slipping over it. Put the replacement on an wow, what a difference!
Mind you, after riding some time with the idler half seized up and pullying and grooving over the plastic then replacing it with ANYTHING that actually turns with the chain and really noticing it is a bit like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer and thinking "man it feels good when you stop!"
But the idler from Terracyle, while not cheap, is really high quality! I'm sure it will last longer than I will!
Mind you, after riding some time with the idler half seized up and pullying and grooving over the plastic then replacing it with ANYTHING that actually turns with the chain and really noticing it is a bit like hitting yourself on the head with a hammer and thinking "man it feels good when you stop!"
But the idler from Terracyle, while not cheap, is really high quality! I'm sure it will last longer than I will!
07-20-07, 11:15 AM
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Return idlers take no load and should not wear out. Power idler, on the other hand, take on extreme loads particularly when the chain makes a streep angle across it. I do recommend a power side idler with a gear so the chain's rollers are taking the load instead of the chain's side plates. THis will help to make the chain and the idler last longer. The other issie that had been in discussion is float of the idler. If the idler can float sideways, it will help maintain a straight chainline through all your gear combinations. This is something that TerraCycle idler solution will provide.
