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Single speed chain tensioning
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
I am planning on building up an old frame I have lying around into a single speed, however with vertical drop outs I will need a chain tensioning device. Is the only way to achieve this through the use of the ones which attach to the hanger or can you use a downhill style chain guide to tension the chain?
(Sorry if this is a stupid question but I have never had a close look at a chain guard)
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With vertical dropouts you need either a chain tensioner or eccentric bottom bracket.
EBBs require an oversized BB shell, so I'm guessing you'll need to go the chain tensioner route. A DH chainguide is not the answer.
This one's on sale right now:Oops, sold out. But it gives you the idea.http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/DMCGSN0SS/ti...
ENO eccentric hubs will give you about +/- one link pair adjustment and tensioning too. Be aware that they can move the braking track out of optimum alignment with the pads.....
Surly singleator or similar works really well, especially if you have enough chainstay clearance to push the chain UP to tension, increasing the wrap on the little cog.
If not, a Paul Melvin works even better, but at a premium, and they look a bit like a derailleur so mess with your SS flypast cred!
If you are lucky you'll find a magic gear combination that matches your pedalling cadence/power range..... I've not been so lucky.
I use a sprung tensioner with a sprocket instead of a guide. I had a problem where the chain would slip as the chain was not wrapping the hub sprocket enough, solution was to use a half link on the chain to make it slightly shorter.
I also use a 1/8 chain (BMX/Track) chain for extra strength as being a single speed you place the chain under a lot more stress.
At the end of much pfaffing about with singlespeed solutions for vertical dropout frames, I bought one of these. Solved all the problems I had previously encountered.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOSD1226/on_one_in...
A sliding vertical dropout. But requires a frame built with single speed in mind
From 29er Belt Drive MTB Frame - For Sale