chain tensioner for older bike with no deraileur hanger
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
chain tensioner for older bike with no deraileur hanger
Hi all,
Quick question ;
I'm trying to convert a geared bike that doesn't have a deraileur hangar into a single speed with a chain tensioner . The deraileur on the bike clamps on . That's my bike in the picture . All the chain tensioners I see seem to be ones that attach to the derailer hanger . Is it possible to buy one that clamps on with the axle bolt like older rear deraileurs did ? Cant seem to find one .
Also , from looking at the dropouts , they are not vertical but not very horizontal either , probably short dropouts . Do I even need a tensioner or will I get away without one by moving the wheel back the short distance the dropouts allow ?
Thanks in advance ,
J
Quick question ;
I'm trying to convert a geared bike that doesn't have a deraileur hangar into a single speed with a chain tensioner . The deraileur on the bike clamps on . That's my bike in the picture . All the chain tensioners I see seem to be ones that attach to the derailer hanger . Is it possible to buy one that clamps on with the axle bolt like older rear deraileurs did ? Cant seem to find one .
Also , from looking at the dropouts , they are not vertical but not very horizontal either , probably short dropouts . Do I even need a tensioner or will I get away without one by moving the wheel back the short distance the dropouts allow ?
Thanks in advance ,
J
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: dEnVeR
Posts: 1,682
Bikes: CENTURION / LOOK / Bianchi
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 214 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
I'd try it with out a tensioner and see how it goes -- you've got a little room to work with in those dropouts
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NYC+NNJ
Posts: 1,302
Bikes: i don't have a bike. a few frames, forks and some parts. that's all
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 52 Times
in
33 Posts
i second above. there should be a room to play on such DOs not needing to put on a tensioner.
if comes must, you could search the words: dropout hangers. many many kinds of 'em on the market.
if comes must, you could search the words: dropout hangers. many many kinds of 'em on the market.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18349 Post(s)
Liked 4,501 Times
in
3,346 Posts
I'd also try it without the tensioner unless you're changing gears beyond the capacity of adjustment with your dropouts.]
Are you using a freewheel?
You may be able to remove your existing derailleur from the hanger. If not, perhaps:
Sunrace Bicycle Index Hanger Derailleur Adapter Rear Mech Shimano Compatible | eBay
Are you using a freewheel?
You may be able to remove your existing derailleur from the hanger. If not, perhaps:
Sunrace Bicycle Index Hanger Derailleur Adapter Rear Mech Shimano Compatible | eBay
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
using a freewheel , I can detach the deraileur body from the hanger , does that give me more options ?
also while I'm here ; can anyone tell me exactly how I would set the tension ? My plan was to sit the wheel at the front of the dropouts and get the chain as tight as I could by removing links . Then I was going to move the wheel back further into the dropouts to tighten it up further ? Is that the right move ?
also while I'm here ; can anyone tell me exactly how I would set the tension ? My plan was to sit the wheel at the front of the dropouts and get the chain as tight as I could by removing links . Then I was going to move the wheel back further into the dropouts to tighten it up further ? Is that the right move ?
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18349 Post(s)
Liked 4,501 Times
in
3,346 Posts
It sounds reasonable. If you take off the old derailleur, then your slots will be even on both sides, and fairly long.
Your chain can stretch over time. It won't get shorter unless you choose to change the sprocket sizes.
You can purchase "half links" if needed, but you probably won't need them.
Your chain can stretch over time. It won't get shorter unless you choose to change the sprocket sizes.
You can purchase "half links" if needed, but you probably won't need them.
#7
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 398
Bikes: Swobo Sanchez 3x1
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
OK not to derail the thread (har har i'm sorry i'm sure someone has made that pun before)
is it not kinda a bad idea to run a fixed gear with a quick release?
is it not kinda a bad idea to run a fixed gear with a quick release?
#8
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,776
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3582 Post(s)
Liked 3,394 Times
in
1,928 Posts
You have several options. First, if you remove the derailleur and claw mount, you may well find that the dropout slot is long enough that you won't need a chain tensioner. Second, if you do find you need a tensioner, you can mount it from a claw, just like the derailleur in your picture. Finally, you don't even need to buy a tensioner; you can simply adjust your derailleur to hold the chain in the proper position and use it as your tensioner.
#9
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,776
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3582 Post(s)
Liked 3,394 Times
in
1,928 Posts
No. Track hubs don't use quick releases any more because track rules forbid them due to concern that a following rider's wheel might catch the lever and flip it open, causing a crash. But unless you're riding on a track, there's no need to feel bound to that rule.
#10
Not racing.
There are tensioners which mount to the chainstay.
https://www.benscycle.com/p-18850-di...tay-mount.aspx
https://www.benscycle.com/p-18850-di...tay-mount.aspx
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18349 Post(s)
Liked 4,501 Times
in
3,346 Posts
I don't see why there would be any reason why using a QR would be any difference for single speed than a multi-geared bike. JohnDThompson suggests it is track regulations which doesn't apply.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rosefarts
Bicycle Mechanics
19
08-15-17 11:24 AM
SrA B. Senn
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
10
09-09-10 08:13 AM