Best Single Speed Tensioner?

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  • Опубліковано 13 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 61

  • @mn3053
    @mn3053 9 днів тому

    I chose the magic ratio and converted my older bike into a single-speed bike without a tensioner. It looks really great, and I love it. Thank you for making this video and to everyone who commented on it.😊👍

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  9 днів тому

      @@mn3053 that's awesome 🙌 glad to help out

  • @rickbartley9255
    @rickbartley9255 3 місяці тому +3

    I really needed this tensioner tutorial. This video is a nice piece of work. Thank you!

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  3 місяці тому

      @@rickbartley9255 cheers 🍻 glad you liked it

  • @solitaryrefinement6787
    @solitaryrefinement6787 3 роки тому +11

    I had a bike shop that didn't know what they were doing try to convert my vertical dropout road bike to a single speed which lead to catastrophic fail. I then had a Surly chain tensioner installed which works great, but me coming from a BMX background, I just miss that direct feel of a true single speed. So, I'm going with an eccentric bottom bracket. Sure, it's expensive, but so is the frameset I'm using so it's well worth it at which point "expensive" becomes a relative word.
    The "magic gear" is a unicorn. It will tell YOU what gears you can use instead of you choosing your gearing and sizing the chain to your needs. In my personal opinion, bikes should be built around the rider's needs. The rider shouldn't have to conform to the bike. The same goes for fit.
    If your gearing preferences match your magic gear, wonderful. You're lucky. But honestly, to get a non-horizontal dropout bike to be a legit SAFE single speed/fixie, it's going to have to be an EBB or a eccentric hub.

  • @nickturner4150
    @nickturner4150 Рік тому +1

    Great video. I learnt a lot. The main thing being I can convert my existing derailleur on my 148x12 boost for little cost.
    Thank you

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  11 місяців тому

      Glad to help out, this is exactly why I made this video 👍

  • @Jedders1968
    @Jedders1968 Рік тому +1

    I fitted the DMR DTS to my single speed MTB conversion a couple of years ago and it has worked really well. There is some whirring noise but it isn't too bad. It's good that you pointed out the need for a quick release to use this DMR product though. Good review - thanks!

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      Thanks for the positive feedback and sharing your experience! Much appreciated 🙏

  • @lighghtrite2261
    @lighghtrite2261 Рік тому +2

    Thanks for compiling these. This is a niche within a niche, for a beginner it can be hard to find information.

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      Cheers, thanks for the positive feedback!

  • @garysprojects
    @garysprojects 3 роки тому +12

    great video thank you, very informative! i went the derailleur route, you can remove one of the springs in it to limit the pivot point, and it creates more tension on the remaining spring (made a video if anyone is keen). works quite well for me!

  • @lt_henry820
    @lt_henry820 3 роки тому +10

    My experience with dual pulley tensioners is they drag too much energy from chain movement. Remember that a single speed setup can save 7-9 watts compared to a rear derailleur.
    The problem I've found with single pulley ones is spring not having enough torque to keep chain properly tight. I have had some chain skips while pushing on a bumpy terrain.
    I think single pulley is the best solution (for frames without horizontal dropouts) when paired with a semi-magical gear combination. This is, chain is loose but not loose enough to skip a cog and pulley is there only to keep chain preloaded.

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  3 роки тому +1

      @Lt_Henry thanks, good points 👍 my single pulley tensioner worked excellent for 3-4 months, then it started dropping the chain here and there (mostly on bumpy terrain, never under torque).
      I totally agree that single pulley need to be close to magic gear to work well.
      I really like my new ISCG mount chain guide though, it looks a lot more cleaner and feels sturdier than my single pulley, but time will tell 🤞

    • @lt_henry820
      @lt_henry820 3 роки тому +1

      @@ssmtb What about half-link chains? (BMX like). Have you tested it?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  3 роки тому

      @@lt_henry820 Nope, can't say I have, mainly because all the available chainrings I can find are NW (at least the ones that match my 96bcd asymmetrical crank arms)

  • @Soap20000
    @Soap20000 Рік тому +2

    What are the best chains to use for chain tensioners? I’ve tried so many but they PC1 from SRAM is the only one that doesn’t skip when pedaling, but this chain is expensive, any recommendations? I used the surly singulator

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      I have had good results with KMCs x8/9/11

    • @Soap20000
      @Soap20000 Рік тому

      @@ssmtb sadly KMC has always skipped on me /: . No matter the length or tension, i take a couple of pedals and the chain skips.

  • @MrALFRUNNER
    @MrALFRUNNER 4 місяці тому

    I have used the Gusset Bachelor SS Tensioner which is similar to the DMR DTS only 30% cheaper. I have had it for over 5 years with no issues and use it on an old Saracen hardtail MTB. Great presentation! I would be interested in knowing which roller material in these types of tensioner is the best for noise levels, durability of material and bearings etc?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  4 місяці тому

      @@MrALFRUNNERThanks for sharing, glad you liked it 👍
      Personally I prefer the rollers that are made out of nylon/plastic since they are less noisy, in terms of bearing I guess that a sealed + steel bearing should be solid for durability

  • @ilikewasabe
    @ilikewasabe Рік тому +2

    Honestly the cheapest and easiest chain tensioner is an old 7 speed derailleur and secure it with a shifter cable so that you can adjust it for an optimal chain line. It’s called “dingle shifter” an advantage of this besides from its low cost is your chain wont drop compared to a cheap chain tensioner.

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому +1

      Good point, thanks for sharing!

  • @SteveWigglesworth
    @SteveWigglesworth 2 місяці тому

    Thanks, extremely helpful.

  • @lawyerengineer
    @lawyerengineer Рік тому +2

    The STS works fine without the quick release fitting, it is removable and optional.

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      You sure? Pretty sure I read in several sources that it's not compatible with thru axles
      (Would be happy to stand corrected if so)

    • @lawyerengineer
      @lawyerengineer Рік тому

      @@ssmtb ok I see where you are coming from.. to clarify, I am not proposing that the STS is compatible with through axles, just that the component of the STS assembly that captures the skewer of the quick release is unnecessary. Of that I am sure. I have never tried fit-up with through-axles.

  • @tanzie2174
    @tanzie2174 2 роки тому +1

    Thankyou. Very helpful.

  • @MTBstuart
    @MTBstuart 2 місяці тому

    i tried the ztto chain guide you tried from this video, the adjustment on the pulley wheel seems like a good idea but it moves under high load so then the chain is slack, did you find this or a solution?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  2 місяці тому

      @@MTBstuart are you sure the chain line is OK? also make sure the chain is as short as possible so it wraps the rear cog and engages more teeth
      You could also try to use a tip tie or a spring to push the chain up to gain more wrap
      (I didn't have much skips when I used it but it wasn't as bulletproof as the ISCG tensioner type)

    • @MTBstuart
      @MTBstuart 2 місяці тому

      @@ssmtb turns out actually the chain snapped! It may be because I'm running an oval chainring so I have to get it fairly tight in one area and less tight in the other

  • @sidmarx7276
    @sidmarx7276 2 роки тому +1

    Using a cheap derailleur as chain tensioner requires no der. hanger or claw in the dropout as it bolts straight on the rear axle. But their cages are too narrow to run a single speed chain. Is there any hack/solution to this problem?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  2 роки тому +1

      You mean it's too narrow for a 1/8 wide chain?
      IMHO I'd go for a non dedicated single speed chain, like shimano/sram/kmc 8 speed (3/32 wide), lots of people are running these on SS

    • @monkeh55
      @monkeh55 2 місяці тому

      this is two years old. but take the jockey wheels out and fit some washers between the roller bearing area of the jockey wheels and you can use that to space the cage wider

  • @petermikael8231
    @petermikael8231 2 роки тому +1

    Great, thanks!

  • @jrodrigo1984
    @jrodrigo1984 2 роки тому +1

    Good info.

  • @RVREGODS
    @RVREGODS Рік тому

    what if you have a coast break wheel installed? does that make the difference on which chain tensioner I should go for?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      Hi, thanks for the question!
      I'm actually not sure about that since my riding is mostly off road I don't have much exprience with coaster brakes, if I see something will let you know

    • @RVREGODS
      @RVREGODS Рік тому

      @@ssmtb no worries, cheers! I appreciate your response

  • @baulmitfahrrad
    @baulmitfahrrad 11 місяців тому

    in my opinion the sb one g3c is the absolute best tensioner for mountainbikes, if you have no budget, but if so the reverse sb one collab is the best for around 60€-80€

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  11 місяців тому

      Wow, this looks like a uber nice tensioner, haven't heard of it before, thanks for sharing 🙏

  • @BramBiesiekierski
    @BramBiesiekierski Рік тому +1

    I have a kindernay vii on my eMTB. I originally purchased a tensioner directly from Kindernay with my order. It looks identical to the "da bomb rlx". Except without the branding.
    It is a total PoS. In less than a few hundred kilometres, the plain brass bushings in the pivot of the arm totoally wore out. Causing the entire arm to tilt over sideways.
    I would avoid Kindernay tensioner, (and Da Bonb if it is the same) at all costs. Because they are extremely powerful quality crap.

    • @BramBiesiekierski
      @BramBiesiekierski Рік тому

      The Kindernay tensioner also doesn't have any way if adjusting "b-screw" type adjustment. And it no good for rear cogs larger than 18t. Even though kindernay will happily sell you a 22t rear cog...

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      @@BramBiesiekierski thanks for sharing! I've heard some good things about da bomb, so maybe that kindernay isn't manufactured so great 🤷‍♂️
      For me the ISCG has been really bullet proof

    • @BramBiesiekierski
      @BramBiesiekierski Рік тому

      @@ssmtb I haven't seen the "Da bomb" in person. But it looks like near identical construction to the kindernay item. I suspect they are manufactured at the same OEM factory. (Probably in Taiwan.) And simply ordered in bulk and resold. As is the way things are done with so much consumer products, not just cycling stuff.
      There is also another company that also use a near identical looking tensioner. Called "problem solvers". You can look at them yourself and tell me if they look the same??? So no doubt in my mind, they are all sourced from the same component factory.
      Kindernay use Aligator brand hydraulics which are also a Taiwanese manufacturer. So its no surprise if they outsource the manufacturing of the tensioners.
      And even on the original shipping/invoicing info on the kindernay delivery box's, they specify some parts as from Taiwan. I think declaring this info must be an EU tax law or something along those lines????

    • @BramBiesiekierski
      @BramBiesiekierski Рік тому

      @@ssmtb Right now I am looking at options to replace the worn out tensioner on my bike before it totally self destructs. Which is how I came across your video (thankyou).
      Full suspension eMTB with IGH and single speed chain, is a slightly different beast than a typical single speed commuter bike. And it does seem to require a very robust design. Also with a strong tension spring (and even damper) to over come the chain slap on off-road / MTB use.
      I am looking at using either the SB One, or Reverse Components Colab. As they both look very promising.
      What makes my particular setup interesting and difficult is that I use a comparitively high power mid-drive motor. Which due to the very high torque load, means I need to use a very large rear cog. Currently I run a 44t front, into a 22t rear, Into the 7 speed Kindernay. It's a 2:1 ratio. But I need the large rear cog to get sufficient chain wrap or chain teeth interface, so as to not skip teeth when under full power use.
      Unfortunately most of the limited number of commercial options available that are tailored to MTB use, tend to be designed for small rear cogs, like 13/14t etc. As they tend to be designed around downhill MTB / bike park / dirt jump MTBs. And not odd ball high power eMTBs like my bike.

    • @BramBiesiekierski
      @BramBiesiekierski Рік тому

      Actually. I am mistaken. The Da Bomb RLx is a slightly different design than that of the Problem Solvers and Kindernay. The cage is a slightly different shape. And the upper link is also a slightly different design aswell. So maybe totoally unrelated. Or maybe an "updated" version of the others???

  • @Montytobin
    @Montytobin 5 місяців тому

    so the blackspire stinger will work even on full sus?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  5 місяців тому

      That's a good Q- I didn't think about it during the making of this video
      I assume it wouldn't be optimal with a full suspension, may not work at all depending on the amount of travel (IMHO a rear der is probably the best solution for a full sus)

  • @ironfrogpress1526
    @ironfrogpress1526 Рік тому

    Lots of torque in BB when climbing with SS bike. Those eccentric BB look to be a constant pain. Track ends and bolts are tried and true

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Рік тому

      Yea, those EBBs never really resonated with me, they seem like a lot of faff while offering fairly limited chain adjustment
      I know some SS riders really like theirs, so go figure 🤷‍♂

    • @theakh4238
      @theakh4238 Рік тому +2

      I've had my track ends slip under braking and they require way more clamping force across the axle.

  • @JacktriPpEr77
    @JacktriPpEr77 Місяць тому

    So why not just shorten the chain, then no need for tensioner? That worked for me.

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Місяць тому +1

      @@JacktriPpEr77 that will work only if you have luck and the gear ratio that's on your bike is close enough to your magic gear

    • @JacktriPpEr77
      @JacktriPpEr77 Місяць тому

      @ yes I asked before the video was finished. You answered it at the end. I did it on a cheap Schwinn and probably got lucky. Thank you for the reply 🫡

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  Місяць тому

      @@JacktriPpEr77 cheers, thanks 🍻

  • @martykasa7864
    @martykasa7864 2 роки тому +1

    Aesthetically?

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  2 роки тому

      Yea, usually goes together with simplicity, but basically I find that a lot of people ditching gears also want to ditch the rear mech for clean looking bike

  • @MikhaelHausgeist
    @MikhaelHausgeist 2 роки тому +3

    At some point I start to think there are just silence... Voice line need to be MUCH louder.

    • @ssmtb
      @ssmtb  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks for the feedback 🙏 audio wasn't so great on the first videos, trying to improve