[Closed] Chain tensioners and 1x9 minefield!

Silly question, how is it going to tension the chain if it doesn't touch it (by roller).

If you want a decent guide, the new E13's are very good & quiet enough when set up properly so you don't even know its there.

just use a Bash and a N-Gear Jump stop.. cheap, light and no noise

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also using a SS chainring ring with full teeth

job done

you don't need a bash, only short chainring bolts.

try [url= http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=362 ]this[/url] for a cheap chain guide. I've just bought one for my cross bike, not fitted yet but looks as good as an MRP etc.

I've got a DMR chaincage on my hardtail but it only works with rungs larger than 34

I run a 1X9 set up with a Truvativ Stylo ss chainset up front. I don't use a chain device. Not had any problems with the chain coming off so far.

Chain devices are an utter b*tch whatever you do. They seem simple to fit but they can take a while. I've had one take 3 and a half hours to fit before because I had to try so many different configurations. If it's set up properly the upper part won't touch the chain anyway no matter what you use. The lower roller will, but that's because it's supposed to as it keeps the chain on the ring.

As for noise, this varies from device to device.
I have an old MRP (two rollers, top and bottom). It's noisy but has NEVER dropped the chain.

My mate has recently bought the cheaper Superstar one and he loves it. It's not that noisy either. It's an upper cage and lower roller design and is really solid (and for £35 not a bad buy either)

I have a Blackspire DS-1 on my hardtail. This isn't noisy really, and is very adjustable. Works pretty well.

Avoid DMR speedguides like the plague. that took me AGES to install and is complete garbage. It self-destructed in a few weeks.

Oh and the other thing, what BB fittings have you got? If you have ISCG tabs on your frame this will be easier (just make sure you know whether it's ISCG 05 or ISCG old). If not many chainguides will probably need an extra tab to convert them from ISCG to BB mount (i.e. you sandwich it between a BB cup and the frame (has to be a Hollowtech or a specific ISIS BB)

I don't think he doesn't need a device with a lower roller for tensioning (unless it's for DH type duties?) that's what a rear mech is for. A guide is surely the cheapest way to go, preferably with a single specific ring

Hob Nob - I have a derraileur to tension the chain!

Thanks for the advice chaps - I doubt I'll have an ISCG mount so will be BB mounted. Yeah the DMR ones look a bit spindly, I'll see what comes up on the classifieds I guess!

rootes 1 that looks sensible, I am hoping to use the old ramped middle ring from the chainset though, will it still work in that case or do I need something a bit sturdier?

If it's just for XC bimbling, one of those N Gear Jump stops (in association with a bash guard) or one of the new breed of "top guide only" guides from MRP, E13 or even that bargainous £16.99 Superstar one will do fine...

If it's for keeping the chain on on a bike that's being thrown down 4X or DH tracks, or a bike thats being subjected to any real abuse, you will need a "proper" chain device (by that I mean one with a lower roller as well as a top guide), otherwise when you backpedal (which you will do, you'd be surprised) the chain can be susceptible to coming off... I've just picked up an E13 LG1 2nd hand off the classifieds here... Over £100 brand new, less than £40 to me in very good condition... So keep your eyes peeled!

As far as quietness goes, nothing designed for keeping a chain on, or tensioning it in any way, is going to be totally silent... Hence why singlespeeds are quieter than a geared bike! But something with a jockey wheel for the lower roller (like the E13's) will be much quieter than one with a lower roller made of hard plastic (like some I have seen in the past)... My LG1 isn't silent, it's quieter than my old MRP though, did cause a bit of a grumble the other day when some mud got in because of the close tolerances, but hey, shit happens!

Oh, and as has been said, chain devices can be a total faff to fit and setup. Took hours here to perfect the setup, but once done, that's it, it's going nowhere and will do a grand job of keeping your chain on!

rootes 1 that looks sensible, I am hoping to use the old ramped middle ring from the chainset though, will it still work in that case or do I need something a bit sturdier?

if you already have it, then just give it a try. will do no harm and if it works you will have saved some cash

I am hoping to use the old ramped middle ring from the chainset though, will it still work in that case or do I need something a bit sturdier?

Quickest and easiest way to lose your chain is to use a "normal" ramped ring in a single ring setup... Buy an unramped ring, on it's own that'll do a lot more for helping keep the chain on as ramped rings are designed to be able to drop the chain very quickly and efficiently.