Terracycle Idlers
 

Has anyone tried the Terracycle Idlers? What are your reactions? I have a 2005 Screamer and want to make some improvements to the chain handling. There are a couple of easy modifications I can do using the stock idlers and new mounts but the concept of the toothed chain ring style of the Terrcylce idlers intrigues me. They are quite pricey so I wanted to get a reaction from anyone who has used them particularly on Rans bikes since the geometry and setup would be similar to mine.

I lhave one on my EZ Sport LWB recumbent. Not much improvement over the stock idler. It ils a return side idler, so no teeth. bk

Having teeth on the idler will make it quieter; the chain won't buzz under load. My Baron came with a belt pulley for a power idler. Changing it to a Greenspeed idler was a vast improvement. The Terracycles idler will do the same thing; it's the same idea only higher-quality.

I have recently completed a conversion to Terracycle idlers on our Rans Screamer and am very pleased with the results. It was an easy conversion, with only one idler on the timing chain and the drive chain runs much truer. (Stoker was forever breaking the little white pegs on the stock set-up!) Managing such long drive trains is not as simple as it seems, but the new set up, once properly adjusted, is flawless. I had a bit of trouble getting the timing chain tight enough so that we weren't dropping the chain, but not so tight as to hinder smooth rotation of the complete system. Well worth the $$$

I have also switched the idler on my Catrike to a Terracycle idler and there is a huge performance improvement. I was able to eliminate all of the black tubing on the return side, except for about 4" where it travels under the cross-arm, which was sucking some energy, and the whole system seems to be smoother. I'm happy to endorse the product. Mike

Another endorsement here. Both products and service are excellent.

My new to me 03'? challenge hurricane had a power side idler which used an O-ring. I got a new idler and went through a few o-rings on it before throwing in the towel and ordering a terracycle idler. The nice part about it considering my short chainstays (406 wheels) is that that particular idler kit floats to keep the chain in a straighter line between the chainring and rear cassette then the stock fixed idler did.
I only have about a thousand miles on it but I've ridden 2 200ks and it is quieter then the stock one with or without the o-ring.