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Singlespeed with vertical droputs and no tensioner?

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Singlespeed with vertical droputs and no tensioner?
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flag freerideguy1
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Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 12:55 Quote
i want to make my biek a singlespeed only problem is that it has vertical dropouts and i would prefer not to have a chain tensioner on it is there any possioble way to do that, ive seen it done but im not sure how
flag shacabahalla
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:05 Quote
i don't know exactly how to do it but you could try putting the chain around the wheel, makin sure it is exactly the right length, then sliding the wheel back into the dropouts. this is only a suggestion dunno if it will work
flag pinet666
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:09 Quote
I have the same problem, im thinking of geting a half link chain. That would work, or you coudld just find the right ratio.
The easyest thing would be to get the half link.
flag dirtjump-derek
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:10 Quote
Chances are you'll need a few half links, but it can be done.
flag Tim-FR
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:14 Quote
There are half links out there that you can use to take out that little bit of slack if your chainring to cassette ratio doesn't make your chain tight. http://www.albes.com/browseproducts/KMC-HALF-LINK.html
You can also look into using a phantom gear, where you stick a spare chainring/sprocket in the chain to stretch it out. Looks goofy but it gets the job done.
If you have lots of money to spend, you can look into the white industries ENO hub.
http://www.whiteind.com/ENO-hub-specs.html
flag freerideguy1
O+
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:14 Quote
yea i m getting a half link chain, srry forgot to mention that
flag freerideguy1
O+
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:16 Quote
also if anyone has suggestions for a cog and sprocket ratio,, like mini drives or whatever
flag pinet666
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 13:20 Quote
will that kmc half link work on any chain?
flag streetmtber
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 15:50 Quote
Hopefully this clears it up.

Half links will not always take your problems away. Most frames still will not be able to run no tensioner with a half link. The KMC half link chain will only work with 1/8th" chains. There is not a certain gearing that you can run that will fix this either, I belive that only works with a certain gearing on the STP bikes.
flag ustienny
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 19:24 Quote
It seems as if all you really need is some old randomn chains, and some sprockets and cassette pieces in varying conditon. It takes a bit of time, but I find there is usually a combination that will work on the bike (although this means you do not have a choice in your gear ratio.)

This has worked on a Spec. Hardrock, Haro Escape, Block 8 Journeyman, Norco Fury, and I think maybe a Jamis. The chain does often stretch over timne though, so something to compensate is needed.
flag redridesrule
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 19:45 Quote
honestly i think the phantom gear looks wicked! and it's probably waaaay cheaper then a tensioner. haha just my opinion.. but your frame might not have enough room for one
flag ezekiel
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 20:06 Quote
manikrider36 wrote:
Hopefully this clears it up.

Half links will not always take your problems away. Most frames still will not be able to run no tensioner with a half link. The KMC half link chain will only work with 1/8th" chains. There is not a certain gearing that you can run that will fix this either, I belive that only works with a certain gearing on the STP bikes.

It is possible to find a "perfect ratio" on most frames not just with STPs. I had a 32/16 on my DD66 that worked fine without a tensioner. At the same, you are right about the half links, they aren't a guarantee to work but they do make it more likely. Right now my Park Ave. has a Shadow V2 on it, with my wheel completely slammed it has to much tension on it.

The best thing to do is to experiment. There is no direct answer, so just go out and get yourself a cheap cassette, break it apart and a couple old chain rings. Mix them up until you find one you like, just don't be surprised when it isn't your ideal ratio.
flag dirtjump-derek
Posted: Sep 23, 2007 at 20:08 Quote
Hopefully I can run without a tensioner when I have a little money to go ss.

I ride an stp, looking for a 32-12 ratio. Hopefully half links can make up the difference.
flag halo4
Posted: Sep 24, 2007 at 15:48 Quote
just ride a tentioner itl be a pain in the but getting it to work without horz drop outs. if your not doing it to just look cool then run a tentioner. ss rules!!2 cents
flag jim-kaplan
Posted: Sep 24, 2007 at 15:52 Quote
whats the difference between horizantal and vertical drop outs? is one better for a certain type of riding?
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