Im confused about all the chain tensioner problems

fall_down_stand_up · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 02:46 AM

I have been riding these bikes for 4 years now and have never had a problem with the chain tensioners that come with the kits(other than the roller wearing out after a ton of miles)....What are the problems alot of you guys are having with them??????????Show pics of your modifications and why you had to do it....

**BarelyAWake** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 03:41 AM

lol - the dreaded "tensioner" is a potential threat if not installed correctly or maintained, I suspect ya did both

It could dive into the spokes and destroy the wheel which I'm sure you've figured out by lookin' at it - it's a shame really cause it would be a simple matter to supply one that spans both bars.

The concern is for the many first-time builders that may foolishly think that all of the parts in the box will do the job they're supposed to do if they just bolt 'em on lol It's also about the only part that so easily endangers the whole build and the rider for the sake of tightening a bolt o_O

Chain tensioner "suggestions"

toker_ace · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 05:59 AM

here is my latest tensioner.

sojudave · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarelyAWake

lol - the dreaded "tensioner" is a potential threat if not installed correctly or maintained, I suspect ya did both

It could dive into the spokes and destroy the wheel which I'm sure you've figured out by lookin' at it - it's a shame really cause it would be a simple matter to supply one that spans both bars.

The concern is for the many first-time builders that may foolishly think that all of the parts in the box will do the job they're supposed to do if they just bolt 'em on lol It's also about the only part that so easily endangers the whole build and the rider for the sake of tightening a bolt o_O

Chain tensioner "suggestions"

Been there, done that. It ripped about 5 spokes out of my rim, and it sheared off the bolt that holds my brake arm to the frame. My fix was to take out an extra link from the motor chain.

bandito · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 08:55 AM

Problemo Fall from what I read is the tensioner twisting inward from the pressure applied from the chain riding on it. Some folks drill a hole into the frame and insert a screw to fix that or others have it extremely tight in order to prevent that. Whats your secret? To me the mounts that bolts to both chain stays is the right solution or to fix the chain to proper length.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 09:01 AM

Never had a problem.

I do spend five minutes adjusting and bending/twisting them before installation.

Evanewk · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toker_ace

here is my latest tensioner.

WOW. THIS IS AWESOME!

It is simple, functional and build-able from parts at home depot and a few basic tools.

Kudos to you.

fall_down_stand_up · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandito

Problemo Fall from what I read is the tensioner twisting inward from the pressure applied from the chain riding on it. Some folks drill a hole into the frame and insert a screw to fix that or others have it extremely tight in order to prevent that. Whats your secret? To me the mounts that bolts to both chain stays is the right solution or to fix the chain to proper length.

My secret is I do the same thing BikeguyJoe does,tweek it to make it just right and tighten the bolts real good....Heck I dont even use electrical tape or anything like that wraped around the frame....

bairdco · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 01:44 PM

chain tensioner. the thread that never dies...

**2door** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bairdco

chain tensioner. the thread that never dies...

Hahahahaha,,, Bairdco is right. I'll bet if we went back and searched every post that has ever been made here that we'd find more about this provocative subject than any other. The topic comes up day after day, week after week. The pros and cons seem limitless and opinions abound as to use a tensioner or not and if so why and how. Actaully it has promoted some very innovative designs and isn't that what we like to see?
Thanks to all of you for your constant input, ideas and opinions. The wider the knowledge base, the better we can promote this hobby. Keep those cards and letters coming. oooops, guess that's an obsolete axiom. But then, so am I

Tom