Is there any other way to tension a chain on a frame with vertical drop outs, other than a chain tensioner? I've seen people use bmx half link chains, but i'm unsure if they are a different width and would work with standard sprocket width.
Has anyone got experience with single speed conversions on older mtb frames with vertical drop outs? and what solutions could be used?
Any info would be helpful! Thanks!
by No_Papaya_395
11 Comments
Ghost ring, used one on the forward timing chain on my triple.
https://www.reddit.com/r/xbiking/comments/1hjm38n/a_triple_with_quite_a_few_triangles/#lightbox
Trial bikes have some solutions- might want to check what they use
Alternative methods:
– get lucky by playing with gear ratio
– eccentric bottom bracket (usually found near internally geared hubs or belt drives)
– eccentric rear hub (usually found on lux fixed gears)
The methods above allow for fixed gear riding; chain tensioners require a freewheel/singlespeed setup. If you want singlespeed, I’d use the chain tensioner.
There are eccentric rear hubs and eccentric bottom brackets, like [this one](https://velo-orange.com/products/eccentric-bottom-bracket-bsa).
It’s probably the most elegant solution (aside from finding a golden ratio) but it’s not the cheapest.
Essentially the spindle can move inside the bb shell and can be tightened at a range of positions.
As for your question regarding half-link chain width, as far as I know there are only two inner widths of chain for your intended purpose : 1/8″ and 3/32″. A 3/32 chain won’t fit on 1/8 gears, but the other way around works fine.
A chain tensioner that pushes up is better than one that pulls down – more teeth engaged when pushing up. If you don’t like the aesthetics of a chain tensioner then the best option is a White Industries ENO hub. Magic gears and half links might work fine for a time, but as the chain wears become problematic. I think your chainring is for geared use and will help a saggy chain derail
Sometimes you can find a “magic” gear ratio that doesn’t require a tensioner but it takes time, money and never seemed ideal. The tensioner you have now I always felt was the closest to true single speed.
It’s goofy, but I’ve heard you can just use a cheap old derailleur as a tensioner. Just adjust the limits to keep the chain lined up correctly
Get a two jockey wheel tensioner, like a Paul.
These are basically chain tensioners, but you can get creative:
[Spoon](https://imgur.com/8CVUiJA)
[Wrench](https://imgur.com/yT9GoMV)
[Brake lever](https://imgur.com/nODk1uR)
[Stick](https://imgur.com/a/xp26HEp)
[Whatever this is](https://imgur.com/7qqqIqj)
(There are old threads at mtbr.com about diy chain tensioners: https://www.mtbr.com/threads/pics-of-homebrew-chain-tensioners.226049/ and https://www.mtbr.com/threads/diy-chain-tensioner.387711/)
Bottom bracket mounted chain guide/tensioners are often over looked but a very good option.
Bro just get a chain tensioner