So I'm left with a choice of pull down tensioners that fit to the der hanger and are single jockey wheel with either no guard or a wide guard.
My issue with the Surly is that the spring seems to be identical to one used on caliper brakes, and it's not really up to the long-term task asked of it. Basically the leverage required for a tensioner is greater than what I feel the tolerances of the Surly spring are for it's working life. I like the notion of using a spring with a long arm at the end to increase the leverage power of the tensioner, this should make it more effective too.
The Echo looked perfect for this, but because of it not being compatible with the hub the 4-Jeri will be used instead. I still love the look of the Echo though, so if I did all this again I'd probably consider the Echo hubs made for this task.
Big word up for Tarty Bikes, who not only stock tons of tensioners ( http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/search.php?category_id=48 ) but also have been fast on email service, and called to talk through the compatibility (as they measured parts with calipers and assessed options)... and even asked if I know a person who also happened to order an Echo (just so happens I did... hello dt) so that they could check with him that they won't be affected by the compatibility stuff.
That level of customer service possibly even exceeds Hub Jubs service. Phenomenal stuff, so I totally recommend that online store now.
Shit... compatibility hell.
The Phil Wood axle is 15mm diameter. The Echo fits either a 10mm or 12mm axle.
Removing the inner sleeve would make it fit a 14mm axle, but then I'd have to risk drilling out the remaining 2mm, which would likely ruin the part.
So tartybikes have swapped it out for a 4-Jeri tensioner:
This is basically harder than it would be for most people because of the following:
1) The frame has a cable eyelet on the chain stay, this precludes the use of a push-up tensioner which most of the tensioners are.
2) The axle for the bolt-on hub is 15mm, which precludes any tensioner based on fitting over the axle.
3) The bottom bracket is internal (not external cups) which precludes the BB tensioner.
4) The chain is 1/8, which precludes most tensioners based on double-jockey wheel (dérailleur style).
So I'm left with a choice of pull down tensioners that fit to the der hanger and are single jockey wheel with either no guard or a wide guard.
My issue with the Surly is that the spring seems to be identical to one used on caliper brakes, and it's not really up to the long-term task asked of it. Basically the leverage required for a tensioner is greater than what I feel the tolerances of the Surly spring are for it's working life. I like the notion of using a spring with a long arm at the end to increase the leverage power of the tensioner, this should make it more effective too.
The Echo looked perfect for this, but because of it not being compatible with the hub the 4-Jeri will be used instead. I still love the look of the Echo though, so if I did all this again I'd probably consider the Echo hubs made for this task.
Big word up for Tarty Bikes, who not only stock tons of tensioners ( http://www.tartybikes.co.uk/search.php?category_id=48 ) but also have been fast on email service, and called to talk through the compatibility (as they measured parts with calipers and assessed options)... and even asked if I know a person who also happened to order an Echo (just so happens I did... hello dt) so that they could check with him that they won't be affected by the compatibility stuff.
That level of customer service possibly even exceeds Hub Jubs service. Phenomenal stuff, so I totally recommend that online store now.