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Single Speed Chain Tension


MrLongboard

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Ive converted my 8spd to single speed running a 22t - 18t and ive shortened my chain to find it runs on both sprockets with about an inch of vertical movement in the chain.

It hasnt skipped yet and i dont have a tensioner on it but i do have a DMR STS.

Is it worth fitting it or does this sound ok for chain slack???

Cheers

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Chances are with only an inch of movement it wont skip, however it may well rattle against your frame which may prove alittle annoying (really bugs me), its also a fair amount looser than most people run. You could try fitting the sts although a sprung tensioner is a far better solution, have a look through the homemade tensioner thread for some ideas on how to knock up a simple one, alternatively buy one from tarty :)

I personally ran an STS for about 45 minutes before I realised it was pretty worthless and Id wasted 20 quid on it :(

I now use a homemade one from an aluminium bracket and a piece of polyethylene, works a treat, super light and almost unbreakable :)

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AH im gutted you said that about the sts. Il go for a ride tonight and see what happens. if it skips i'll make the tensioner, noise wont bug me to much but skipping might!!

Looks like the sts will be on ebay in the morning!!

Are there any other issues with running a tighter/loose chain? can it affect engagement points etc? loss of drive at all???

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Yes it is definetly better to have chain tension. A loose chain will wear quicker as everytime you kick hard your snatching the chain which will probably lead to your chain snapping prematurely. And yes your drive will be nowhere near as direct as it would be with a tensioner as you have to take the slack out of the chain before it will even start to engage the hub. If you can't be asked to make one theres cheap single arm tensioners on ebay or like mentioned above just look on tarty bikes.

Dan

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