I recently purchased a set of Spot Rocket chain tensioners and as cool as they are, I'm not really feeling them on my bike. I bought them to:

1. save wear and tear on my track ends (my primary goal)
2. keep my chain properly tensioned

I knew the Spots were a good choice as they have two separate screws which work on my offset ends (see diagram), but I would really prefer a much smaller design such as the MKS ones. However, from what I have seen, the MKS tensioners won't fit offset ends. Am I mistaken? Has anyone dealt with this problem?

Thanks for your help.

I have never used chain tensioners because I don't think you really need them, but if you want to save your track ends why not just use a washer?

I thought about that, but a non-serrated washer would likely slip under pressure. My axles have track nuts with a captive serrated washer that bites into the face of the dropout. Good grip, but I feel it will wear the track ends a fter a season or two.

They totally do and mine already looked banged up. I guess I never really cared that much because it is a beater and I didn't pay that much for it.

Why bother "saving" the finish of your track ends? Do you ride less to "save" your tires?

No. Tires are expendable items; I'd prefer to keep my frame nice for a while.

If it were my bike, I'd just file down that protruding prong of the track end.

or if you don't want to file your track end, (Side note, what's the purpose of offset track ends?) file down that rocket ship into something more pleasing to you.

I had a BMX like that, and used an angle grinder to make the ends flush.

or you could put an 1/8" of jbweld in the end of one of the mkses.

hmmmm...I like this solution. I could cover the ends with plastic wrap, fill the MKS with a small amount of JB and press for a a custom fit. Nice idea. Thanks.

NO!!!! once its JBWeld'd how do you plan on removing the tensioners when needed? JB is not all that strong because I use something else that is stronger but it is what it is and yes you will get the tensioners off with some effort but then your left with a blob of epoxy on the end of the track frame. I agree with the others file that sucker down.

F MKS...

did you miss the part about the plastic wrap?

Where can I get those?

Hardware store? Keirin racers don't bother with the goofy MKS tugs...

I love my MKS tugs (yes, plural, two of them).
I spend extra time adjusting them so the internal barrel nut fits flush with the housing.
They look like part of the bike.
Besides, I can tune my chain and wheel to perfection, and I don't need to torque down my axle nuts to the point of making metal flow.