Simple Tension Seeker | DMR STS Chain Tensioner - Stainless Steel, Drop Frame, Sealed Bearings

I have a surly bridge club frame, and this tensioner fits it like a glove. Seriously, the dropout fits perfectly in. Very straight forward installation. Make sure you have a quick release wheel. Very strong and reliable tension. You will have to adjust it by hand while holding a wrench with the other. I use it for a 500-watt ebike motor. My build is a custom single speed. I tried two other tensioners, and they just broke or felt flimsy. This however is strong. No springs or pulleys. It uses ball bearings that can be replaced. Don't let the amazon picture fool you. It looks great in person and very nice on your bike. It also comes with the associated bolts to put it on your bike.

I have used several methods to tension chains on single-speed bicycles and they all have problems. This one, though, worked with no issues or fiddly adjustments. There is no spring--you set the tension by pushing it up or down onto the chain and tightening up the bolts. The roller finds its alignment with the chain after a few spins of the cranks. An argument could be made that a spring system adjusts as the chain stretches; however, if that happens it is simple to readjust the tension (5mm Allen key required) and ride on. I image this would only happen once during the life of the chain. I installed it in about 10 minutes and used the rest of my free time to go on a bike ride. If it develops problems, I'll update this review.

I wanted to use this on a single speed (i.e. bike with a single gear ring - aka single front sprocket) and a single rear sprocket. This item seems to be designed for use with a multi speed cassette in the back as the chainline was too far outboard for a single rear cog on the hub. In order to get it to align I had to bend the frame of the item and as such render it beyond return. It is going to be donated to a charity bike repair shop. It is a very well made item and has great looks and I am disappointed I had to learn about not being able to use this ... the hard way. Would I recommend it? Absolutely: it is a quality product but just not made for what I needed.

Picked up a single speed converted mtn bike second hand and it had a crappy cheap tensioner that caused the chain to skip anytime you pedaled! Got this tensioner and ZERO skipping. Feels like a high quality product. I also like that the bearings are a standard skateboard style so they could be easily replaced if they wear out. Best tensioner hands down.

Works good tensioning my chain upward. I deducted a star due to the fact that it wouldn't stay adjusted at first. I had to rough sand the places where the two pieces touch in order to create enough friction for it to hold. No big deal but it should come that way. Also, it only works with quick release drop outs.

First thing pulley wheel has a quarter inch play left or right. Even if you have a perfectly straight chain line & spaced rear cog with chain tensioner, chain will still jump off at some point. This can be fix with some nylon spacers on pulley wheel axel to maintain its position. Second issue this can not be fixed, chain tensioner bolts on clockwise. When pedaling forward chain puts tension on chain tensioner counter clockwise, ride few times & chain will be loose. I've watch multiple youtube videos on this item & read the reviews, which is why I purchased chain tensioner & it looks cool. If you've been down this rabbit hole you would no this was being installed with just the one bolt multiple sources reddit youtube forums, the chain tensioner has a second bolt that can be used with a rear wheel quick release axel. Even with second bolt on quick release axel it still becomes loose because it is slotted & it slides out of position because of chain tension is in opposite direction, no matter how hard you tighten bolts. I've tried this on two bikes my single speed free wheel quick release hub with both bolts & ebike converted to single speed. I'm past the return date because I had to order an M10x1.0 bolt from china because included bolt was way too short & had to add 10mm axel spacer in order to make pulley wheel line up with rear cog spacing. I tried lock washer & star tooth, other chain tensioner either have a spring or adjustment bolt that would stop rotation on derailleur hanger. You would have to adjust tensioner after every ride, how is this not mention in any other reviews anywhere here reddit youtube bike forums. Everyone online is telling you to buy this chain tensioner its the best.

It is a great design with 2 sturdy connection points and no need for springs or extra moving parts. It makes installation simple and clean looking. Great for an ebike (or any) as it can push the chain up to increase cog contact instead of down for less.

Well made and durable. No springs or anything else flimsy to break later on. It is a little pricey, but so is buying others that break or don't work the way they are supposed to, just to end up buying this one. Just purchased a second one for another mtb. Only works with a 9 speed chain. Single speed chains are too thick and won't fit into guide pully. A narrow wide chainring paired with a longer tooth ss sprocket will eliminate any chain drops. Locktite might help too if yours gets a little loose from aggressive pedaling. Have rode about 200 miles with no issues.

Great to convert to single speed, seems to give good chain tension.

クロスバイクのシングル化で購入しました。チェーン幅が876スピードなので、1スピードチェーンはローラーに収まらず少し残念だけど、立ち漕ぎ激チャでも固定安定して満足です。

Good quality item very well made.

Simple and easy to set up 👍🏻

I got one but it turns out it wasn't necessary for also going with a half link chain, the line is dead straight and tension is on point despite having vertical dropouts chain stays. I had to modify a skateboard for a pulley wheel but it was simple as long as you can access some type of lathe to cut 1/2" out of the centre to accommodate the fatter half link. The bikes ass end got a whole lot sexier with the mods (including silver single sprocket and polished spacers).