Just about to build up a SS HT around an On One 45650b frame. Have had SS MTBs before, always frames with standard dropouts, and using either a fixed ‘simple’ tensioner device, or currently a sprung tensioner (Surly Singleator)

But am thinking about a BB-mounted option, eg this:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F274154076001

Figure it would give a neater (visual) solution … but are there any downsides?

And if this is a good option, are there any cheaper alternatives to the Blackspire?

Isn’t that tensioner designed to work in conjunction with a rear mech, to stop the chain dropping off the chainring?

I’ve done SS with a blackspire tensioner, works fine

I have successfully used a BB mounted chain keeper.

I used the original one of these bought in the late 90s:

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It worked fine but was more involved to set up as it was held in place by the BB. Not sure ISCG mounts help with this either.

The down side is they don’t really allow for any chain chain or minor growth as they are static. It may work fine for you but I recall that my set up was sensitive to how much slack it would deal with.

Hands down the best tensioner I have used and still use is a Rohloff. Expensive, yes but a doddle to set up and the spring is ridiculously strong – unless your chainlink is off that chain isn’t coming off!

Call me a bodger, but I tentioned mine with a cabletie to the chainstay. As the chain wore I pulled the cabletie tighter.

Call me a bodger, but I tentioned mine with a cabletie to the chainstay. As the chain wore I pulled the cabletie tighter.

Surprised the chain didn’t just cut through the cable tie!

Call me a bodger, but I tentioned mine with a cabletie to the chainstay. As the chain wore I pulled the cabletie tighter.

Surprised the chain didn’t just cut through the cable tie!

I’m not that much of a bodger…

Cabletie pulling the Blackspire towards the chainstay, tentioning the chin in the process…

I’ve used exactly that device op. Not masses of adjustment on it, so you may need a half link, but worked perfectly. I’d use it again if I needed to without a second thought. Don’t do the screws up too tight and you can just give it a tap upwards to tension the chain as it wears.

As above, they work, but have less range than a push down sprung tensioner (about the same as a push up one), so you may need a half link or to be less fussy about gear ratios to get somewhere near a magic ratio that only needs a slight adjustment.

I always end up going back to On one sprung tensioners, they just do the job with zero faff noise or drag.

Del
Not masses of adjustment on it, so you may need a half link…

Or maybe just use a rear cog +/- one tooth. Halflinks are rarely the best solution.

You’re going to be in the wrong ratio 95% of the time anyway. 🙂

I used Stinger as SS tensioner for a couple of years and had no issue. Less faff with wheel removal than a sprung tensioner.