DIY Spoon chain-tensionner

211909574 Bc74Eabba9
Here's how to make a chain-tensionner for single speed bikes from a spoon - Link.


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Posted by: Nick-of-financefarming.blogspot.com on August 11, 2006 at 1:28 PM

Aww man the link's down!

Got it bookmarked though, looks pretty interesting. Might have to give this a shot before I buy a tensioner when I build my single speed.


Posted by: fixedgear on August 11, 2006 at 1:52 PM

Or you could just use an old rear derailer....


Posted by: 2Short on August 11, 2006 at 3:05 PM

You could use an old rear derailer, but that would involve a slew of unnecessary springs, pivots, screws and such. I trust I need not argue inherent desirabiltiy of simplicity in bicycles to someone with the handle "fixedgear".


Posted by: fryer on August 11, 2006 at 4:09 PM

My favorite chain tensioner is this.
Though, you would need to cut either the frame or the chain ring to get it on. And it might get in the way of your foot, but still it is cool.


Posted by: Opposite_George on August 11, 2006 at 7:27 PM

First I'd like to state the posted hack is really sweet.

Still, if it was me I'd probably go with fixedgear's suggestion. I suspect an old derailer'd be more tolerant of delta in chain line or run (think wreck or hitting a log with the chainring.) And on a flip-flop (if you're into that) it'd probably let you get away with a wider tooth spread, with less adjustment hassle.

Yeah, a recycled der'r's ugly, inefficient and heavier, but if you're into purity go with a fixed-gear setup with horizontal(ish) dropouts and lose the tensioner completely.


Posted by: Paolo* on August 12, 2006 at 7:39 AM

To opposite_george, that's actually my blog there, sorry the serveur crashed yesterday. I prefer horz. drop-outs to a spoon haha. But most trials frames use vertical drop-outs, so I was pretty screwed.


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