We consider a box three chain tensioner to be a worthy investment in the long run.
We are here to help you choose the right one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.
Our review process:
After carefully examining almost 70 tensioners, we shortlist the below mentioned products.
Our final set consists of the best products and we also worked hard to maintain variety within our picks for personal choice.
We have been analysing these tensioners for more than 2 years. We have probably handled more products and accessories than almost any team on the planet, so we have a particularly experienced perspective and depth of knowledge when it comes to these items.
Our collection of tensioners for your regular usage caters high-quality, cheap and value-for-money requirements.
Note: Just because we didn't mention a tensioner in this guide doesn't mean it's not good. The following are simply our picks for the best tensioners for most people - you may have your own specifications , that make a different tensioner better for you.
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The cyclingdeal box three chain tensioner is the best feature-rich tensioner on the market today. This chain tensioner mounts right onto your derailleur hanger to provide a simple, effective and adjustable way to tension a single speed system. It fits with the aftermarket jockey wheel. This one improves on the old design by listing the proper torque for each bolt. It is perfect fit with the aftermarket jockey wheel. This tensioner only works in the push down mode. It is good for road use, and is priced reasonably for what it is. The chain tensioner is easy to install. It fits 1/8" single speed chains only.
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The se racing chain tensioner's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. These bicycle tensioners are perfect. They can be used for single speeds that have a freewheel. These work great when you can’t get the chain tension quite right, or don’t want to have to fuss with it every time you remove the wheel. These are simple and quality. These are also so easy to install.
Why We Like This:
Useful to have to help insure you chain stays aligned
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The dmr box three chain tensioner is capable of outshining several other tensioner featured in this list in overall features in its price range. This is the best bolt on chain tensioner available. It is built for the pump track. When installed properly the poly bushing provides virtually silent operation wrapping the single speed sprocket nearly as completely as it would in a standard track/fixie hub set up. It also doesn't stick out as far as the spring tensioners.
This is a great little tool for converting just about any bike to single speed. The DMR is easy to install and is made of sturdy material. There is no assembling instructions. This provides the tension adjustment you need only.
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The paul box three chain tensioner should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. For most applications, 21 teeth or smaller, this is the cat pajamas. It functions just like the jockey wheels on your derailleur to keep tension on your chain. It includes paul's own sealed bearing pulleys. It is superior to single pulley products because it affords more chain wrap around the rear sprocket when converting a vertical drop-out bike to a single speed or multi-chainwheel configuration, up to a 20 tooth difference. The geometry is such that the whole assembly is compact and very low-profile.
The bolt that mounts the tensioner has spacers that can be removed/added to adjust the chainline. All the pieces fit exactly together save for the ones designed to shift on purpose, and once installed it doesn't rattle or jiggle around at all.
Why We Like This:
Great chain tensioner for single speed frames
An elegant, handcrafted altenative to a $12 derailleur
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The mks box three chain tensioner is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your regular usage. Unlike most tensioners, these use ONLY a 3mm Allen wrench, so you don't need to carry an additional box wrench with you on rides, so long as you already carry a multi tool. They can be adjusted only using a 3 mm Allen wrench, which offers a great deal of tension control and is really convenient for on-road maintenance. The adjustable side has a cut-out to fit into the dropout and prevent slipping.
You can use these tensioners with a surly tugnut adapter to use a 9mm quick release axle. They’re nice to get the wheel lined up square and the chain at a nice tension. The external springs always always pop off and you’ll never find it while on a ride.