As you that know me may have realized I have sworn off chain tensioners (KIT TYPE) since my very first build.
I have had the patience and good luck to make do without one. Now, I can make very easy adjustments when the frame has the sliding dropouts. I can always make a happy chain on both sides even a chain that has stretched over time can be made better by shimming that rear mtr mount… a multi speed bike is even easier. Higher quality MB frames with the vertical drops are another story all together. I have always had a tough time, after the motor settles in and the chain stretches as a result of normal use. 2 bikes in particular run with a 1 to 1 1/4 inch play. Both with hub adapters and 44ts. I use #41 chain on em all which is heavy and allows lots of lateral forgiveness. I've never thrown a chain.
Ok...
Well the weather here has finally turned warmer. I was able to go out in the garage and install a Turbobuick tensioner on one of the bikes. Very slick install and works excellent! I opted to use the Mapbike custom cut roller - tracks perfectly straight and rolls smooth. Didn't notice a lot of pedaling resistance at all. But I don't pedal much anyway.
If you Need a tensioner take a look at this one. Should you require a smaller diam. wheel take a look at Mapbike's custom cuts. I highly recommend.
I have had the patience and good luck to make do without one. Now, I can make very easy adjustments when the frame has the sliding dropouts. I can always make a happy chain on both sides even a chain that has stretched over time can be made better by shimming that rear mtr mount… a multi speed bike is even easier. Higher quality MB frames with the vertical drops are another story all together. I have always had a tough time, after the motor settles in and the chain stretches as a result of normal use. 2 bikes in particular run with a 1 to 1 1/4 inch play. Both with hub adapters and 44ts. I use #41 chain on em all which is heavy and allows lots of lateral forgiveness. I've never thrown a chain.
Ok...
Well the weather here has finally turned warmer. I was able to go out in the garage and install a Turbobuick tensioner on one of the bikes. Very slick install and works excellent! I opted to use the Mapbike custom cut roller - tracks perfectly straight and rolls smooth. Didn't notice a lot of pedaling resistance at all. But I don't pedal much anyway.
If you Need a tensioner take a look at this one. Should you require a smaller diam. wheel take a look at Mapbike's custom cuts. I highly recommend.
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