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Recommendations for chain tensioner for SS conversion?

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Old 05-20-16 | 08:15 AM
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Recommendations for chain tensioner for SS conversion?

Picked up a CF road frame for $50 a little while back and I think I just want to keep things simple and do an SS conversion on it. I've got most of the bits, just need a crank and bars/brake levers..

I do need a chain tensioner though since the dropouts have zero adjustability. I know of a few brands that make one but honestly, I don't know crap about them.

Who's got a good one that isn't a POS? I don't mind shelling out for a good part..
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Old 05-20-16 | 08:22 AM
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Buy a terrible dérailleur and tighten the limiter screws so it stays in once place.
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Old 05-20-16 | 08:27 AM
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Get an eccentric hub or BB. They make cleaner setups than a tensioner IMO.
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Old 05-20-16 | 09:04 AM
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I can't help but ask why.
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Old 05-20-16 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
Get an eccentric hub or BB. They make cleaner setups than a tensioner IMO.
Eccentric BB solution is best. I was looking into this when I wanted to build a SS MTB and most tensioners had crap reviews. The DMR is solid but it isn't spring loaded and the guide wheel doesn't take a 1/8" chain unless you shave it.
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Old 05-20-16 | 02:29 PM
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I have a SS MTB with an eccentric bottom bracket, and I think that this is the way to go. Looks clean and the adjustability is easy enough. As to why, why not?
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Old 05-20-16 | 02:39 PM
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I like the derailleur idea. But buy? There are thousands of junk derailleurs out there! Well perhaps $3 used. For 1/8" chain, take the screws for the idler pulleys and the inside set screw to an Ace or True Value hardware store and pick up screws a half cm longer and a few washers for the pulleys and a screw long enough to set the inside adjust to the cog. Reassemble with the new screw and enough washers on each side to clear the chain. Tighten the new set screw to align the derailleur. Done.

Ben
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Old 05-20-16 | 09:03 PM
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Hmm.. Well i guess i don't really know what to do. I already have a BB so I might just want to stick with a tensioner initially..

Any brands i should check out? I know surly has something along with DMR -- Sounds like they are all about the same quality wise.
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Old 05-23-16 | 10:45 AM
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I have used this on a mtb bike for around 7-9 years with zero problems. I also have one on a Trek road bike I converted a couple of years ago, again no problems.

Forté Single-Speed Conversion Kit
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Old 05-31-16 | 06:18 AM
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I'm using a Surly singleator tensioner on my mountain bike and so far I'd had no problems. Might have to try the eccentric bb in the future though.
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Old 05-31-16 | 07:53 AM
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Thanks for all the help everyone -- Just bit the bullet and tried the Fortè kit since it was on sale for $25!
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