I have a 2009 Kona Paddy Wagon...set up single speed...have chain as tight as possible, yet still feel the chain could be tighter...little slack when I am pedaling at high speeds sometimes...should I get a chain tensioner...and what would be a decent one for my bike...thanks!!!

I was look at this one possibly, https://www.surlybikes.com/parts/tuggnut_pop.html, since I dont I have a derailer hanger...however I could be wrong...help!!!

You don't want your chain as tight as can be..

new to single speeds...how come???...just seems a little slack when I pedal fast...especially when going downhill...seems every stroke there is a little bit where I am not sending power directly to the drivetrain.

There should always be a little slack in the chain, not just when you "pedal fast".
You should be able to easily move the chain up and down at least a 1/2".

A chain that is too tight, will rapidly wear out the chain, cog, and chainring. And that will add up to be a costly replacement.

oh...so it is just me getting used to this then???... ) why are there chain tensioners then???...i mean is it a good idea for me to get one...im using this bike for fitness more or less...with some commuting in mind on nice days to work.

because people suck at bikes.

this

i dont get it

you mean maintaining them...i know how to do that...are they just for lazy *******s???

that would be bass terds

pretty much...
and alcoholics.

1/2 inch...i see...ok...nevermind then...chain tensioner is a waste of time and money then right?

chain tensioners are for keeping a) chains at a proper tension (not tight nor loose) and b) keeping your hub from slipping out. correct me if I may be wrong?

besides...u didnt even spell pollock right.

i have a chain tensioner...

but then again, im dumb at bikes. works great for me, though, and im happy!

what kind...and r u single speed or fixxed?

9th and Pine!!!

im single speed with vertical dropouts. i posted pictures in the pictures thread a few days ago. i was told to stray away from the surly tuggnut but thats just what i was told by one or two guys :/

yeah yeah...i guess with vert. dropouts the surley is not the way to go...more made for horizontal...like mine

I agree, you don't want your chain too tight at all. Should be able to move up and down easily. It takes a lot for a chain to jump.

But I think chain tensioners are GREAT. I have built in ones on my Sputnik. When I am putting my rear wheel in, I just push it till it hits the screws and then bolt down. I know it will always be perfect tension on the chain and always be aligned. If you use a tensioner this way, it's great.

If they came with your dropouts (like on the Jamis Sputnik or Paul dropouts), use 'em. If not, dont waste $35 on them -- achieving proper chain tension by hand is bicycle 101 and should only take a minute with enough practice.

Yarrrrrrr!!!!...so do i get one or dont i get one?

lol no. the little slack you are feeling is probably in the freewheel. or you are just spinning out.

I have two rear wheels for my bike. One has a fixed cog and a freeewheel, this wheel I use on the road. The other wheel has two different sized cogs , this wheel I use at the velodrome a couple of times a week.

I use a tugnut because with swapping out the wheel a couple of times a week, and also constantly fipping the wheel for gear changes starts to chew up the dropouts and really it's just more convenient tensioning the chain expecially with out a work stand. The axle nuts don't need to be as tight as well.