Reddit mentions: The best bike chain tension idlers

I got it from my LBS but here it is on amazon. My LBS had them for $15 a pop, so it might be worth it to check around a bit. They are very solidly built (as with anything made by surly really) and I would highly recommend it even for the price listed there. It makes keeping the chain perfectly tensioned and the wheel straight a breeze.

Edit: If you had two of these (which I do) it would probably make it pretty safe to use a quick release on the rear wheel if you wanted. It comes with the proper adapter washer.

SHIMANO (06 CT-S500 I-CTS500L Alfine Black Chain Tensioner https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004YCZFAA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NfZvDb5TNAWJM

This ☝️

Thanks for the info dude. Usually figure it on on the hop but you just saved me a few steps. Thanks man!

Awesome sub!!

I have a cheap single speed commuter bike, not too different from that one. The generic freewheel it came with was all sorts of awful. Lots of ticking/clicking and really nasty feeling bearings. Not sure if yours is the same. I swapped it for a Shimano one which made a huge difference. You need a special tool to get the old one off or you can take it to a shop for a really quick swap.

Chain tensioners are also really nice to have to dial in your chain tension. Not necessary at all but nice for the peace of mind. Something like these.

It took me a ridiculously long tine to find a chain tensioners that would work with my setup. Originally I got MKS track chain tensioners and realized that dropouts were 8mm thick so I exchanged them for MKS BMX chain tensioners, but then I discovered that even fully tensioned I couldn’t not get a recommended belt tension, mostly because MKS tensioners seat quite deep inside a dropout. Please note that while with chain it’s easy to just remove a link to get a better fit, it’s not with a belt and there are limited teeth options (I run 111t and size smaller is 108t which was too short).

Most other tensioners I’ve seen had one or both of the issues I ran in with MKS tensioners, or just were too large and ugly. So I just gave up and just tensioned manually. It’s certainly more critical and complicated (requires a lot more precision) to do with belt system, but doable never the less. It would take me up to 10-15mins to get proper tension after installing a wheel. To give you an idea, quarter of the hex key turn on pictured chain tensioners is enough to go from not tensioned enough to over tensioned & there’s also fiddling with an app on the phone to measure tension.

Then I came across Inspired arcade micro chain tugs online which looked promising due to low profile indicating that I could get a higher tension than with MKS. Luckily they worked out great! And I like how invisible they are on my build. Even though I rarely need to tension a belt it’s still great to do it be able to do it properly in a reasonable timeframe.

Thanks, that saved me from a lot of unnecessary work! Do you have an opinion on a good chain tensioner? Maybe something like this: https://www.amazon.com/4-Jeri-SS-chain-tensioner-black/dp/B007REBQXW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1474931083&sr=8-11&keywords=single+speed+chain+tensioner ? Or here's one with no spring: https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Alfine-Single-tensioner-Silver/dp/B007M09QGA/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1474931302&sr=8-25&keywords=single+speed+chain+tensioner

There are!

Find something like this

$15 and works great 👍

CyclingDeal MTB Road Bike Bicycle Aluminum Chain Tensioner Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3RBJL1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QcrwCbCN9E5Q2

they look damn cool. how is your chain holding up btw? I recently added this to my bike

https://www.amazon.de/Bionicon-c-guide-schwarz-2016-Kettenf%C3%BChrung/dp/B00HZRCZBS/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1478447976&sr=8-10&keywords=kettenspanner

and now the chain feels like it's glued to the bike.

Some chain tensioners may be relevant to your interests.

chains bounce up and down, i assume you have 2 or 3 gear in the front, this will mean your chain is very long so it bounces around.

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you can buy an under the chainstay guide to put some upward pressure on your chain, this will keep it from bouncing too much.

https://www.amazon.ca/B-Labs-C-Guide-Eco-Chain-Tensioner/dp/B00HZRCZBS


(they can be had cheaper).

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- also if you are hearing lots of noise, wrap your chain stay in an old tube and some electrical tape, it will quiet it down and keep your paint safe.

https://www.amazon.com/Promax-Chain-Tensioners-Axles-Black/dp/B00SLXC5LU

It's called a chain keeper. This is the one I use: Sportixx Bicycle Chain Keeper | Tool for Cleaning & Repairing on a Bike Workstand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0718W8BSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lJwtDb3GSSAJB

https://www.amazon.com/Quintessentialz-Mountain-Tensioner-Custom-Design/dp/B07GC858GP/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chain+guide&qid=1563627172&s=gateway&sr=8-3

CyclingDeal Bike Single Speed Aluminum Chain Tensioner and Kit Packages for Road Bike and MTB

dolphin1986 New Spring Chain Tensioner Kit/New Chain Idler Assy for 48cc/60cc/66cc/80cc Gas Motor Bicycle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725HQMV3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vOxLDbHZ4HRSW

When I build a single speed, a chain tensioner helped a lot in getting the chain tight enough, something like this, http://www.amazon.com/Eclypse-Single-Bicycle-Chain-Tensioner/dp/B00P26H86G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458572234&sr=8-1&keywords=chain+tensioner

You can also use a derailler and adjust the limit screws so it is stuck in the right position.

As for wheels, a regular old wheel might make the chain line crooked, you may want to get a single speed specific wheelset, check craigslist for a cheap one, and I think amazon/nashbar have some cheap pairs too.

I have chain tensioners on my bike and it makes it way easier to tighten the chain. Maybe im calling them the wrong thing. I mean chain tension adjusters. These: ACTION CHAIN TENSION ADJUSTER MKS TRACK 8MM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CK7NSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wh.IBbNVN96NR