Chain tensioner advice please

[SteveH]

I'm moving from 26" to 29" single speed. The old frame has adjustable dropouts which are great, but the new one does not (standard 9mm qr), and therefore requires a tensioner. From experience, what do you recommend? Reliable, unlikely to get damaged, not making wheel removal/refitting difficult..... And, from experience, is there anything you would avoid? Thanks.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I never had any trouble with a Surly Singulator as long as it was used in 'press up' mode.

[Ian]

Seconded. Definitely worth getting the chain length right so you can set the tensioner to push up. I once had a spring break on one, but used a small Velcro strap to tie the tensioner upwards against the chainstay.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I always wanted to try one of these ... look lovely (as Paul stuff does) but maybe too complicated?

[SteveH]

The singulator is looking favourite so far.....

[Charliecres]

I've used the type with no spring and rollers rather than jockey wheels. The first one was a Gusset and the other was a Superstar one, I think. Both worked perfectly. I always used them in push down mode because I couldn't get the chain short enough to work in push up mode. Cheap, cheerful and effective.

[ianfitz]

I had a singulator copy, DMR? that worker flawlessly but was much cheaper.

The design is the one to go for I reckon.

Check Charlie the bike monger website?

[SteveH]

Having looked in a bit more detail the ones with no spring (such as gusset) appear to require removal of the qr to remove the wheel - something I wanted to avoid. Charlie has a copy that looks good value but only operates pushing down. Why do you prefer pushing up? (I will be using 18 sprocket).
Maybe it will have to be the proper singleator as that seems to be the only one that can be set for both directions.

[Ian]

Pushing up gives a better chain wrap on the sprocket, and as described above, allows an easy fix if it breaks. Also lower profile against the frame, so less likely to catch on stuff.

[SteveH]

Thanks Ian, I thought it might be something along those lines.

[jamiep]

I've a singulator but in push down mode. Push up wouldn't tension the chain before hitting the chainstay. Works fine though. I've a 16t sprocket - chain wrap is fine

Also, Winstanleys bmx have half links at £1.60 if you need one

[SteveH]

Thanks all, I've ordered the singleator - more expensive but more adaptable. And proven reliability.