Geared to single speed.

[mtnbiker7]

I'm converting my dirt jump bike to a single speed and i'm already getting a single ring crank set and I'm going to use the surly spacer kit for the rear. My question is do I need to use a chain tensioner if the bike wasn't designed for a single speed?

 

[bonefishjake]

Yes. I would suggest either surly or rennen.

 

[fiftyfixe]

You can do it with out a chain tensioner but you have to find a gear combination that gives you the proper chain tension. Not to tight not to louse. It would involve some experimenting to get the right combination.

 

[Fogerson]

You can do it with out a chain tensioner but you have to find a gear combination that gives you the proper chain tension. Not to tight not to louse. It would involve some experimenting to get the right combination.

Often referred to as "the magic gear ratio"...

 

[montclairbobbyb]

Chain Tensioner

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=16795&category=54

This works great, it's lightweight, doesn't have springs (which you don't really need to run a SS), it tensions up (instead of down), and it's cheap.

BB