Best Chain Tensioner

GoldenMotor.com

b3anz129

New Member
Aug 15, 2011
30
0
0
Boston
Hey guys, my chain tensioner (just the wheel) broke off and I wasn't able to retrieve it. What's my best bet for a replacement? Should I get another wheel or make it a sprocket this time? Do any stores cary these things? I'd definitely like to get one as soon as possible :D.
 

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
63
Littleton, Colorado
A modified skate board wheel is what a lot of us use. Try for the one pioece style and you'll need a way to cut a groove in it for the chain. I've used a lathe and many have used a drill press with a grinding wheel.
There are tension wheels available from several vendors but most will be just like the one that came with your kit. A good polyurethane wheel will run quieter and last longer than the plastic ones.
You might try using the google search feature, use the keyword, 'tensioner' to see what others have done. There's many pages of reading on the subject. http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partne...ycling.com/f3/best-chain-tensioner-33176.html
Good luck.
Tom
 

mapbike

Well-Known Member
Mar 14, 2010
5,502
109
63
Central Area of Texas
I like the looks of those 10T sprockets but $25 is a crazy high for it price in my opinion, built all of mine from the skateboard wheels like 2door has with good bearings and grade 8 bolt, nut and washers for spacing, after 100's of miles on dusty dirt roads they still look and work like new.

I groove them out so the chain rides half way down in the groove, I would be more than happy to make someone this same set up with grade 8 hardware included for half what that sprocket cost including shipping if they live in the lower 48, I know that sprocket is really nice, but $25 is a bit rich for my blood for something that actually does as little as it does.

These are just my thoughts nothing more, nothing less..... (^)

Peace, map
 

culvercityclassic

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2009
3,115
177
63
Culver City, Ca
I think 25.00 for the sprocket type is a deal and ordered 3 to use on my special applications. This type allows the chain to operate smothly.

I have thrown the chain three times and caused alot of damage.

Btw: this is for a four stroke application; I never use a chain tensioner on my china girl rides.
 

Mozenrath

New Member
Jan 13, 2011
340
0
0
California
Do the sprocket-type tensioners provide any better performance?

I actually am still using the stock tensioner. I found that if the rear sprocket is perfectly tightened and if the tensioner is perfectly aligned with the engine sprocket, it won't move at all! So I've left it that way for months now. The only maintenence I've done was adding grease to the wheel so that the chain glides over it better.

I do plan on adding a chain to the original tensioner like here:



That way I can keep the tensioner and still give it something to prevent it from slipping into the spokes, just in case!