I think this is called a chain tensioner. I am using a 9 speed rear derailer. There are two bolts that secure the black dropout pieces. Can I just take these out? (After the two bolts are secured). Thanks in advance.
by brickscoli
I think this is called a chain tensioner. I am using a 9 speed rear derailer. There are two bolts that secure the black dropout pieces. Can I just take these out? (After the two bolts are secured). Thanks in advance.
by brickscoli
7 Comments
They are supposed to lock in your axel position, use them if you have them, extend to the correct position, and tighten the lock nut.
Not sure what the right position is?
Take it to your lbs, watch a YouTube tutorial, read a manual for the rear derailer or see what Sheldon brown says.
They are more useful for a single speed build, but rock em if you got em I say!
You should leave them as they are adjusted to center the rear wheel/hub and thus align the gears cog. If you remove the wheel for maintenance, leaving them (tighten the nut flush to the frame) perfectly maintains the alignment of the wheel when remounting the wheel.
After torquing down the two bolts, I’d *assume* your dropouts would stay in place…so you can take off those bolts. Worse case scenario is that you put them back in if there’s slipping.
Personally, I’d just lock them in place. Otherwise, it’s extra parts i’d have to keep track of.
The dropouts don’t just tension the chain, they also align the wheel in the frame. If you remove the setting bolts, it will enable the dropouts to more easily move and become misadjusted from bumps in the road. Although, I will say that those setting bolts are huge, and you could probably manage with some shorter ones.
The adjustment screws provide a bit of support for the sliding drop out. I removed mine and fit shorter screws. Looks better and no downside.
Yes you could. I would maybe just grease up some smaller bolts to keep dirt out though. Or leave them.
Keep them there. Those look like crazy long bolts for their intended amount of adjustment so if I were you, I’d cut those down a little. They’re there to help center the wheel between the chainstays. Ideally, you will have your wheel as far forward as your tire width allows but it also allows you to slightly change your wheelbase length. If you want a longer wheelbase for more stability, push the wheel back. If you want a snappier ride quality, push the wheel forward. But once you find your desired location, you shouldn’t have to adjust them again. I’d leave the bolts though because the inserts aren’t supposed to move but the bolts add extra insurance.