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hi folks, I run a singlespeed conversion kit from the Bikemonger shop, the chain tensioner is the one in the left picture from this link ...
The problem is that it's quite noisy, it is a bit old I guess, maybe a few years can't really remember. Anyway, I'd like to replace it with something that runs a bit more silently. Has anyone got any recommendations before I make a random purchase?
I'm running a KMC singlespeed chain, I think it's the KMC Z1 EPT 3/32" - I've just looked and some of the liks have OL-2 stamped on them if it helps.
yep, it's a hardtail, old Kona frame. It's got vertical dropouts, the chain tensioner is instead of a rear mech so quite a different set up to those pics ^^ up there ^^
I’m stumped and cannot help then ha ha
best of luck with your search dude
I’ve got one of these on my commuter;
it runs almost completely silently, easy to fit and very solid. Not particularly cheap but you get what you pay for.
This is completely silient, or was before I put gears back on. It’s basically the same principle as a Blackspire Stinger but with a jockey wheel rather than a roller.
I found an old rear mech to be way better than my Surly so I sold it
Alfine.
I've got three, I race 24hrs SS and never have trouble with them. Not the lightest but they work brilliantly.
A bit narrow for proper ss chains but I use 9sp anyway
I'm using an old Sora mech I had in a drawer. Weighs buttons more than the Alfine/rohloff/surly, was free, no chain line issues - some tensioners don't play with boost chainlines but with a mech you can just lock it in with the limit screws wherever it needs to be. Short cage, neatish, relatively quiet, depending on how your chain and jockey wheels are. And there's no issues getting the back wheel out.
I've got a Philcentric EBB on another bike, which is far nicer, far more expensive, but doesn't have a huge range of adjustment, so I needed a half-link with the first gear combo I had. Managed to tune out the need for it on future combos.
First Components eccentric bb is worth a look.
If you really want to ride a lot of single speed, its probably worth getting a proper single speed frame (horizontal drop outs).
Another convert to the Blackspire Stinger method here but I always swap out the roller for a jockey wheel.
If you really want to ride a lot of single speed, its probably worth getting a proper single speed frame (horizontal drop outs).
I disagree. I've been racing SS for a decade and much prefer a vertical dropout and a tensioner. The reason being, if you ride in lots of different places, it's a doddle to change gears, no messing about with chain lengths or tension problems or EBBs or anything, change sprocket (or even just rear wheel mid-race, which takes twenty seconds) and it just works.
Slidy dropouts are fine for commuters and things, as a fit and forget option on a regular route, but I always want a tensioner on my race bikes
Slidy dropouts are fine for commuters and things, as a fit and forget option on a regular route, but I always want a tensioner on my race bikes
Fair enough - my ss is a bike for the winter slop - not exactly set up for racing 🙂.
Thanks for the replies guys, hadn't thought of using a rear mech. I'm sure I've got an old Shimano 105 somewhere.




