Need some help on chain tensioner.
02-17-12 | 01:05 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Knocks Cycling
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tn.
Bikes: Gary Fisher Wingra, Trek 1.5, 82 Schwinn Traveler
Need some help on chain tensioner.
Well, I started to put the single speed back together and ran into a situation. The dropouts on the vintage schwinn's don't have a option to mount a tensioner. But I tried to just visualize the length the chain would need to be to run without one and it seems to be either too much chain to be tight with the wheel fully slid back in the dropout. So is there any sugjestions on a tensioner that will work, or what have others done in this delima. I posted a pic so you can see my problem.
02-17-12 | 01:19 PM
#3
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
02-17-12 | 02:23 PM
#5
Fresh Garbage
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,190
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: N+1
So your bike originally came with a derailer hanger than was just held in place by the QR skewer or nut/bolt axle assembly. You can try looking in a co-op or ask a shop if they any old clamp on hangers, or "claws". lying around. If not, https://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=963
02-17-12 | 02:30 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
From: Sheboygan, WI
Bikes: 2010 Windsor The Hour, 1982 Fuji Supreme
I think adjusting chain length with a breaker is way easier than finding and installing a tensioner. Just hold on to the extra links. Also, I changed from a 18 to 16 tooth in back with no chain length problems. You're probably making more work for yourself than you need to.
02-17-12 | 02:38 PM
#7
Bianchi Goddess
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,874
Likes: 4,118
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
What about one of those downhill tensioners that mount on the chainstay?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
02-17-12 | 09:20 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Knocks Cycling
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tn.
Bikes: Gary Fisher Wingra, Trek 1.5, 82 Schwinn Traveler
Thanks for all your help. I just went ahead and shortened the chain. I was just trying to make sure the wheel was centered by bottoming out in the dropouts but I will just have to eye it and go with it.
02-17-12 | 09:40 PM
#16
Still kicking.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 47
From: Annandale, New Jersey
Bikes: Bike Count: Rising.
