REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

NooB question: Best Tensioner?

2410 Views 21 Replies 18 Participants Last post by flipnidaho, Jan 21, 2006

CDtofer

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2005

Building up a new FS and thinking of putting the old parts into a SS experiment. Whatever frame I decide to use it will not be SS specific, or have sliding dropouts so I know I will need a tensioner. Question is, is there one that works much better than the others? What would you reccoment to a first time SSer and why?

Thanks
C-

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

NorKal

· #2 · Dec 1, 2005

I use an old XTR mid-cage derailuer. It works great and it didn't cost me anything extra. Just run a short piece of shifter cable through it and tighten up the high/low screws so it won't move off the chainline.

Homer Simpson

· #3 · Dec 1, 2005

I have used both the Surly Singlenator and the Soulcraft Convert. Both work very well. I tried the old derailleur but it did not hold the chain tight enough in rough terrain for me.

I really prefer the Soulcraft, but just because I like the look better and it seems to hold the chain a little more tension, at least for me. But I haven't had any problems with the Surly Singlenator. I actually have the Surly on my 26" SS and the Soulcraft on my 29" SS and ride both.

So it's just really personal preference. Surly Singlenator, Soulcraft Convert, old derailleur, or some other tensioner. They all have good and bad to them. Someone will always say something good or bad about any of them.

TheRedMantra

· #4 · Dec 1, 2005

Rennen Rollenlager.

desurfer

· #5 · Dec 1, 2005

I'll second the Rollenlager. I use one and it's super smooth and quiet, no extra slack to bounce around, no springs to break.

Prime8

· #6 · Dec 4, 2005

Rollanger

Third for Rollanger.... Winnar!!

Barkdog

· #7 · Dec 4, 2005

CDtofer said:
Question is, is there one that works much better than the others? What would you reccoment to a first time SSer and why?
QUOTE]

Fourth for the Rennen!

Warning: I used it to convert a Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo. I had to use the 1/2 link (chain link, that is) that Rennen includes w/ the package. To my dismay, it appears that the shipped link is 1/8'' chain size (I have typical mt. bike, 1/32'' chain). I had to find a new, 1/32" 1/2 link from a local shop; once I did that, the Rennen worked great. Really great! It's a gorgeous piece of metal. They are a little expensive; if you're looking to stay zero-budget, ask a shop for an old derailleur from their recycling pile. I did that at first, but upgraded to the Rennen for its simplicity (and the fact that it weighs next to nothing).

I should explain the 1/2 link: the Rennen has a realatively limited range of adjustment, you have to shorten your chain to be as tight as it can be, which you should do anyway. The 1/2 link may be necessary to dial it it (it replaces 2 link pieces, which are 1" long, with one 1/2'' link piece).

And you'll be supporting a small company, with a cool guy behind it. When I ordered, Ken (owner?) contacted me right away to say they were back ordered, waiting for their out-sourced anodizing process to be finished. After it took a little while, I called to check on status. He answered the phone number listed in his email right away -- it was his cell phone! And to top it off, when he finally shipped it he threw in a free T-Shirt (and piece of Halloween candy) as an apology for the shipping delay. Can you tell I like this guy?

Cloxxki

· #8 · Dec 4, 2005

For a hardtail (FS is different story), if you must buy a tensioner, the Rennen is great. The one time I used it, it worked flawlessly (and I won the race).
In your position now, I'd first try whether I could get a ghostring setup to work (it's in the FAQ), or even better : a magic gear.

Good luck and enjoy!

Ratt

· #9 · Dec 5, 2005

I opted for the cleaner look of the magic ratio myself but like the concept behind the Rennen. Of the spring loaded tensioners i like the Paul Melvin.

tedsti

· #10 · Dec 5, 2005

Another vote for Rennen

[email protected]

· #11 · Jan 18, 2006

Barkdog said:
CDtofer said:

Question is, is there one that works much better than the others? What would you reccoment to a first time SSer and why?
QUOTE]

Fourth for the Rennen!

And you'll be supporting a small company, with a cool guy behind it. When I ordered, Ken (owner?) contacted me right away to say they were back ordered, waiting for their out-sourced anodizing process to be finished. After it took a little while, I called to check on status. He answered the phone number listed in his email right away -- it was his cell phone! And to top it off, when he finally shipped it he threw in a free T-Shirt (and piece of Halloween candy) as an apology for the shipping delay. Can you tell I like this guy?

Click to expand...

Hey man, I just found this thread, and just wanted to say thanks for the kind words.

When George and I started Rennen, generating this kind of response was the vision.

Glad you like the product!

-ken

brado1

· #12 · Jan 18, 2006

Never used a Rennen, but have used a Surly Singleator, the Soulcraft Convert, and the old derailleur, and of those three.... the Convert wins. zero problems with it.

disco

· #13 · Jan 18, 2006

surly singleator - new spring?

singleators used to get bashed as being no good for off-road applications - recently one of the shop guys at my LBS told me that there is a newer one with a stiffer spring and he has had no problems riding it off-road - can anyone confirm they are using new springs?

I ask b/c I am considering one and it seems the cheapest option - thanks

arjangreen

· #14 · Jan 18, 2006

Rennen ?

Does the Rennen tensioner need to be removed each time the rear wheel is removed? If so, are there problems with thread wear on the derailleur hanger?

Thanks,
Arjan

Prime8

· #15 · Jan 18, 2006

good Q

Thats a great question... since I just ordered a rennen, I suppose you could remove the whole hanger, either way it's two bolts (thinks back: only took off rear wheel once last season)

tedsti

· #16 · Jan 18, 2006

If you are using QR skewers and have the Rennen set up in push down mode, then you do not have to remove the tensioner. All you have to do is remove the skewer nut from the drive side and pull the skewer out until it is free of the tensioner. The wheel will then be able to drop straight down.

arjangreen said:
Does the Rennen tensioner need to be removed each time the rear wheel is removed? If so, are there problems with thread wear on the derailleur hanger?

Thanks,
Arjan

bstiff

· #17 · Jan 20, 2006

disco said:
singleators used to get bashed as being no good for off-road applications - recently one of the shop guys at my LBS told me that there is a newer one with a stiffer spring and he has had no problems riding it off-road - can anyone confirm they are using new springs?

I ask b/c I am considering one and it seems the cheapest option - thanks

I've always had reasonable luck with a Singleator on two different bikes. However, I take out the spring, and use a beefy rubber band (like the super-wide one that comes on a bunch of asparagus from the grocery store), doubled over the chainstay and hooked over the socket head screw that clamps the rod that the idler sprocket attaches to. I change it periodically to avoid dry-rot, and carry a spare.

Cheap, works fine.

flipnidaho

· #18 · Jan 20, 2006

Rennen

Does the Rennen tensioner need to be removed each time the rear wheel is removed? If so, are there problems with thread wear on the derailleur hanger?

No- just take off the quick release nuts and spring and the wheel comes off, no need to remove or loosen the Rennen to take the rear wheel off..

chruby99

· #19 · Jan 21, 2006

Snap

That rennen piece is nice. I wanted to run a melvin but found it is not made for a 1/8 chain. I like how the rennen uses the derailer hanger.

Downhill Dawg

· #20 · Jan 21, 2006

Eno

I would bypass the tensioner and build a new rear wheel around a White Industries ENO hub. Why? 1) Reliability - Solid hub with replaceable cartridge bearings. 2) Asthetics - Much cleaner line than a tensioner.

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