Hello all,

I am fairly new to the biking world, and I've learned so much from this forum already. So a big thanks to all reading!

I'm in the process of rebuilding an old 1998 Bianchi Lynx mountain bike that had broken shifters, so, for now, I changed it to work as a single-speed with a freewheel (using for basic commuting around the city). The only thing is, the frame has vertical dropouts, and I hate using this damn chain tensioner. I have been reading about adding a half-link to my standard 1/8'' KMC chain to get the proper chain tension.

Has anyone done this before, or have any input? I'm about to order a single half-link for like $3 on eBay.

Thank you everyone!

I also have vertical dropouts, half link chain didn't work well enough.

I use an old Shimano 600 short cage RD as a tensioner.

No issues, other than some noise, have yet to drop the chain, roads are quite smooth here though.

A tensioner is probably the best solution, but you should be able to get it good enough using a half link. Your chain doesn't need to be tight, and shouldn't be -- it should just be not loose enough that it'll derail.

Maybe try using a different chain tensioner? Paul Components, Surly and Shimano Alfine are all nice options but if that really isn't your thing a eccentric bottom bracket or hub could work out as well. Trying to find magic chain lengths isn't good because your chain can wear and effectively become loose.

To get it right, I needed a half link, then about one extra tooth in my chainring. You can to some degree file your hub to give you a little play, but its pretty hit or miss if this works. Too loose and the chain will drop off, too tight and your chain will wear prematurely. half links are cheap, so you could always give it a try, but your gear ratio has to be just right too....