Tensioner Redux

Tom,
You're right, that is a hole from an earlier mount. I was hoping to use it again but the width of this rubber roller dictates placement further forward away from the hub in order to clear the spokes.

Right now I have it tightened down pretty firmly with some grade 8 bolts. I thought about just dropping an internal tooth washer between the bracket and the chain stay as an alternative rather than drilling a second hole. It would damage the paint but not potentially weaken the frame.

Just an update. No problems with this setup so far.
I think adding the grab strips between the chainstay and tensioner bracket has worked well to prevent rotation without drilling a hole in the frame. It also allows for adjustment if necessary.

I'm not sure of what type of metal the strips are made. I'm a little concerned about the possibility of rusting. Another option is to use an internal tooth washer. I've included a photo of both.

Nice setup there.How is it holding up for you? Do you have the part # for the roller wheel?

stilldoc,

Your frame appears to be of the same type that is shown in the pics below. i.e. a typical coaster brake beach cruiser type frame with long drop-out slots.

Naturally these long slots were not designed into the frame so that we could mount an engine and keep our drive chain at the correct tension, but why not take advantage of it?

Simply put your kit tensioner on the pedal side...or rig up a spring loaded tensioner like is shown in the pic.

Jim

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Aaron,
I haven't had any problems with it yet. Hasn't moved or bent.
I think the roller is a good off the shelf, locally available option to a replacement stock roller. It might reduce some noise as well. It does require some modification to attach to a stock tensioner bracket.

Here's the link to the part at TSC:

Baja Motorsports Chain Tensioner Assembly - 5510238 | Tractor Supply Company
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Good deal!I noticed you had a problem with the bracket bending on your first start off.I'll probably take the bracket off and mount the roller the same way.Thanks

Jim,
I think that's a good solution. I had the stock tensioner on the pedal chain and it worked okay but I became worried about failure upon use of the coaster brake which could be catastrophic. I've always thought that the ability to stop is more important than the ability to move. The spring tensioner setup shown in the photo would eliminate that problem. Do you know where to get it?

Here is one similar to that,hope it helps.NEW Single Speed Chain Tensioner AKA Singleator 200-001 - eBay (item 370292689104 end time Dec-17-09 21:32:40 PST)

Aaron,

That's the part. That's a good price too!

The single speed beach cruiser frames don't have the M10 X 1 threaded hole, so I made an adapter.

Jim

I have this one on my bike and have not had any problems with it. The best part is that you can mount it to the seat stay so it won't fold into the spokes. Firebelly also has one I would like to check out if only they would get their web site up and running.

Chain Tensioner Motorized Bicycle Moped Part Bike Motor - eBay (item 310182387376 end time Dec-16-09 10:32:33 PST)

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