Ok, so back to my original problem with the chain tension. Am I able to replace the chainrings on the existing crankset that I have - rather than replace the whole thing? Is it possible to switch it to a two-gear setup instead 3?
One of the problems I notices with the chain tension was that angle between the large chainring on the front - to the large ring on the rear became magnified because of how far the rear derailleur cage was pulled forward. So I was hoping that a two-ring setup with the chainrings more centered up front might help the issue.