Actually, Rohloff makes a very nice tensioner, but one of the beautiful things about running this hub is the perfect chainline, and getting rid of all derailleurs for a totally silent ride. I love mine, and use it for hard offroad riding. I've yet to experience a problem with mine, while just about everyone I ride with has dealt with a mechanical failure in some part of their drivetrain at one time or another. My bike is set up 44-16, and unloaded I'm hard pressed to make use of top gear, so I would consider going with a slightly lower range if I was going to tour. You want to be careful to remain in Rohloff's recomended gear combos to be safe. They have a good website that covers acceptable gearing. www.rohloff.de . These hubs are great, and my MTBs will always be Rohloff equipped from now on. The only beef you might have is the rather large step (13.5%) between gears.