Vertical Chain Tensioner

The ETR/V chain tensioner is designed especially for converting bikes with vertical dropouts into a single speed. Meant for people who like to simplify their bikes by eliminating all excess gears and deraillers, the ETR/V does what other single speed chain tensioners attempt to do. The vertical tensioner is installed on the derailleur hanger.

The Problem With Other CTs

Other vertical chain tensioners in the market is that they are either spring activated at the mounting point or adjusted and fastened to the position. Both have flaws.

Spring activated chain tensioners tend to be flimsy and unreliable due to the fact that they can only be mounted on the hanger threads. This means they can be knocked off easily. There is also no way to adjust the spring’s degree of tension (other than getting a different spring). Some riders try to solve this issue by using a rubber band or a ziptie!

Chain tensioners that are fastened to the position of tension are built solid, however, it does not “float”. There’s always issues of tight and loose spots while pedaling because of imperfections on the sprocket or chain ring. It is never 100% round so there will always be that slight variance. It may also be challenging to get the correct chain length. Even with half-links, getting the right length is a crap-shoot. This results in a chance for the chain to come off the gears and pedaling with inconsistent feedback.

Our Breakthrough

We combined the best of both worlds by leveraging some of the best features from our other chain tensioner designs for the BMX. We made sure that it can be adjusted in multiple positions. It can be solidly fastened to the hanger at two spots : the axle and derailleur mount. It utilizes spring holes at different locations to adjust the tension of the pulley arm. Also there is a pulley adjustment for the chain line. Once in line with the chain, it is fastened with a set screw.

Check out this full review on sicklines.com

Update! New for ‘08-’09

/ 10mm Hanger bolts allows you to mount the tensioner directly into the derailleur Hole!
/ New Pulley guides to allow use with oversized chains
/ 5mm button head screw to increase stiffness with chainline adjusting pin
/ Standard FS kit on all packages