Do you really need a chain tensioner?
 

Im starting to feel this SS Zen thing........
I have this new road frame in my basement that I was going to build up... but I rather would build it up into a Fixed. My question is since the dropouts are at a 60 - 70 degree angle, do I really need a chain tensioner?

Do you have enough room to move the wheel about an inch forward or back. If so you are good to go.

as cynical implied, its not the angle of the drop but the travel. If you can get the chain tight in the drop with chosen gears, you're golden.

I know it travels but Im not positive its an inch. I will have to check it though. I just didnt know what "gauge" of travel there should be.

No you do not.
Tensioners and track nuts are seriously overrated.
I have built several SS/fixed and have had zero problems.
My winter fixed has a suicide wheel with a hollow axle with nothing more than those thin locknuts holding the wheel on. (it's an experiment)
Hilly terrain, severe potholes, plenty of temperature swings, severe weather conditions, and salt on the roads.
Plenty of skidding and curb jumping.

Zero slipping or tension problems.

Enjoy

I have one SS with a vert dropout and no tensioner it just worked. I'm sure with the right gearing you will be fine. You just need to play with it and that's kinda the fun part.

half links can also help

Unless you have plenty of room to adjust chain tension, yes you do need a tensioner.
You will find out pretty quick, if you do or you dont, once you start riding it.
And yea, hafl links definitely help.

Blah...blahh...blahh....

Click here:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/white-hubs.html

Enjoy

You do know that if you are planning to ride fixed then you can't use a tensioner anyway? There is always and ENO hub but kinda spendy.

The guy said SS, no need to go all out for a ENO hub... fixed, yea. SS, no.

"I have this new road frame in my basement that I was going to build up... but I rather would build it up into a Fixed."



Enjoy

Sorry, my bad. Just couldnt get pass the first SS...
In that case, you need plenty of room to move the axle but no tensioner (or tug, if thats what he meant).

I think we need to clear up the definition for the tensioner/tug thing. Confuses me every time. It is my understanding that a tensioner applies tension to a chain where a tug holds a wheel in place. One more ting that should go in the newbie sticky if that ever happens.

Well technically I will start out with a flip flop and then after I get used to it, I will go permanently fixed. What is a "tug" and can you use it on "vertical" drop outs?

Tug:

http://www.surlybikes.com/parts/popu...rodTuggnut.jpg

Helps to pull the rear wheel back for proper chain tension and alignment.

Those aren't for vert dropouts. They are for track ends or like the ones on your old BMX

Pricy, Some one needs to make and market an eccentric BB that will fit in a standard shell

im suprised it hasnt been mentioned but if the chain is not the right length with your desired gear ratio, you can just get a half link. some resourceful person on this board will now find you a link to a place that sells em :)

ohh yeah and if youre making it fixed then a normal chain tensioner setup wont work. if you apply back pressure the thing'll break.

Dude, he DOESN'T have vertical dropouts. He has older road horizontal drops. The surly tuggnut WILL work with those older stlye road drops.

I understand completely what he has and you don't need to be an A$$. It is my understanding that the surly tugs don't work with older horiz dropouts. They just work with track ends and best with the surly (or sub 1 ends). I have a BMX tug on my road conversion so I know how it works. He asked "What is a "tug" and can you use it on "vertical" drop outs?" so I answered his question.

Also on Sheldon Brown's website is a link to a java gear calculator...you plug in the gear you'd like to use, and it tells you which gears have similar gear inches. Just pick the one that allows for no use of tensioner. It also takes into account chainstay length and wheel size.

I have a boat load of 1/2 links in 1/8.

If someone needs one let me know.

Tony

Does the Phil one require a separate shell? http://www.philwood.com/webcatolog/pg15.htm