Chain tension and tensioning a chain

Nobody actually needs a chain tensioners/tugs. Some people find it easier with them, some don't feel the need to use them.

Mine are semi vertical.

I suppose what I'm wondering is, when Sheldon says 'These are a problem when you want to dispense with a derailer, because you need some way to regulate chain tension.' why vertical dropouts don't guarantee chain tension but horizontal ones do.

thanks

'... you need some way to regulate chain tension.' ... don't guarantee chain tension ...

thanks

regulate =/= guarantee

The issue isn't whether you can guarantee some amount of tension in vertical drops - of course you can. The issue is whether you can adjust it, which you do with horizontal or diagonal drops by moving the wheel forward or backwards.

Because you can move the wheel backwards and forwards to increase / slacken the tension in the chain. With vertical dropouts the wheel is designed to sit in the same position relative to the bottom bracket as jeez says if you buy a half link chain you can get it "nearly there" or get lucky as they give more control when shortening or lengthening the chain but honestly I would just fit a tensioner in your position. I hope that this helps.

Chain tensioner (for singlespeeds)

Chain tug

thanks all, got it! it's because the position between the drop out and the chain ring is fixed...

Socket wrench bought and played with. There is still play in my rear wheel so I'll be stopping by my lbs tomorrow. Quiet ride this morning though. Must treat my bike better in future.

I usually put it on dead tight but I think that's stretching them.

I like them tight tho.

Medium.

Have a read - http://www.lfgss.com/thread907.html

street slack!

yea if its not draggin along the floor making sparks, its too tight

I usually have mine so it jangles on the chainstay.

not too tight, give it a little slack, not so its floppy, just a little.

as a nun.

6

no, 7

actually, it's 6. i checked.

Tight enough so it doesn't fall off, and loose enough so it stays on....

Reading between the lines, I'll do it a little looser than usual and stop wasting time on interwebses.

If you can wiggle it up and down about an inch, you're doinitright...

Hell, someone's gotta say it,
UTFS

somewhere between duck's arse and wizard's sleeve

like a tiger?

toit

somewhere between not enough and that'll do.