which singlespeed chain tensioner

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 …

https://www.bikemonger.co.uk/chain-tensionersaccessories-209-c.asp

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.

Stinger style every time, assuming hardtail.
chain never comes off and looks neater in my opinion.

I made one from some bits and bobs, a sprung one would be nice for a full suss tho.

What is the dropouts / axle setup like on the bike?

also running a single speed conversion kit (gusset) same chain as you (I think) and have had very little (zero) issues / faff with Surly Tugnuts for chain tensioning

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;

https://surlybikes.com/parts/singleator

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

If you can stretch to it (or find one second hand) the double jockey wheel ones from Paul’s and Rolhoff are by far the best type imo.

I always found the type you have noisy and a bit unreliable.

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.

I’m using a Stinger style one that’s mounted around the bottom bracket. Quiet, less obvious and tidier.

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.