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I'm new to the single speed game and i'm building up a Cove sanchez at the moment for DJ , Street and general messing about.

Now , i've got a rear "bolt through" axel fitted to my Halo hub. I was wandering what sort of tension to set the chain at of if there was any techniques to doing it ? Also , do i need any sort of tensioner to do it?

Cheers  ;)

It should have a tiny bit of slack.  Your chainring and or rear sprocket are likely to run eccentric so tension will change as the drivetrain rotates so take this into account.  I tend to find the tightest point then move the wheel forward a wee bit.  And yes, tensioners make this easier!

There's loads about.  I've experienced a few through work, though I find my Revell ones really easy to use and VERY durable.  They've taken a beating and still work, even with a bent screw!  Not the cheapest mind...

Smithy

Thanks again mate , those tensioners look pretty easy to set up.  ;)

Any particular chains you recommend ? I'm running a 34T Blackspire chainring with Gusset single speed rear ring (probably 16T).

Depends whether its an 8, 9 or bmx ring/singlespeed sprocket setup?

TBH I'm not picky when it comes to such items.  I run a Yaba branded SunRace BMX chain on the recommendation of an ex-pro dirt rider who was recommended them by a bmx pro.  We just so happen to stock them at our shop for about £7....  They stretch out a fair bit from new, but never snap.

For slimmer chains I always use Taya chains.  Cheap, easy and I've never broke one.  No other requirements for me personally

Smithy

From my 5years running single speed on vertical drop outs i've found this to be the best tensioner.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=22832

I've snapped way way too many springs in this type:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=16133

I use a standard 3-4quid KMC BMX chains, middleburn 34t hardcoat front ring and std shimano 16t driver.
I used to use std 8sp mtb chains but kept snapping the quick links, so went to the KMC ones n haven't ever snapped on yet.


Scar

non sprung tensioners ie , gusset batchelour or similar are superior to the sprung ones ....

I have horizontal dropouts so not looking to use a sprung tensioner of the sorts.

The chainring is a std 9 speed and whatever comes with the Gusset kit ?

your sorted then

like miffy says , find the tightest spot on the rings and go with that

i run pc58s on my SS bike but mines an XC whippet machine

i run a KMC KOOL on my fixie though

Likely to be a Shimano DX sprocket or similar (any markings on it?).  I'd invest in a singlespeed chainring for BMX (1 1/8) chains and said chain.

Goldtec are selling some rings off atm.  Give them a ring (01782 629462) and see what they got

(http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=chain+tug)

something like the DMR ones are what you want, thought they look a little flimsy and expensive!  Gusset do some, but they ain't cheap iirc.  Hence my recommendation of the Revell ones

Smithy

DMR chain tensioner all the way!

Its brill and stays in place, can also take a thrashing too! :D

Have a look on CRC, you can pick one up pretty cheap!

Hope this helps,
Dave

a slack chain can help with aceraltion a little try one finger just above swingarm/reartriangle

Will a BMX chain be ok to use on a normal chainring or do i need a 9 speed chain ? Whats the advantage of a BMX chain , strength ?

if you run a cog on the back thats smaller than a 16t.. you normally need a bmx chain.. ive found this anyway with dmr rear cogs and such, yeh bmx chains take more to snap them and dont stretch as easy so they dont skip,i use taya bmx chains from halfords theyre only £5.99 and they take a beating, theres no point in you using a half link chain or anything, but you can use one half link in a bmx chain to give you a tiny bit more adjustment. ( i have a p60 and have trouble keeping the tyre away from the frame)  you need chaintugs on your cove to pull the wheel back, and a ratchet spanner that fits is probably a plan. theyre so much quicker than an adjustable spanner or a normal c spanner hope that helped :D oh and yeh the bmx chain should be fine on the 9 speed front ring as its just wider