New ways to tension the chain
This is a cool Interbike. I’m seeing so many developments in different niches of the sport. 29ers, Cyclocross, big bikes, etc.
I saw no less than three new ways to to tension a singlespeed chain. The traditional methods are using an eccentric bottom bracket or horizontal drop-outs. Obviously, the world is not happy yet since folks keep inventing more ways.
A couple of years ago, White Industries developed the ENO hub. It is a hub that sits on an eccentric axle. Spin the hub on the axle and the hub changes location. Niche gimmick? Well, it’s been working great and it is White Industries #1 selling product!
So the three new methods I saw were:
Niner Bikes - I can’t talk about this one since they’re going through the patent process.
Ibis Cycles - They split the frame in two and allow the rear end to pivot on the seatstay connection. The chainstay joint has multiple positions to allow changing the position of the rear end.
Finally, there’s the Souldcraft bike at the Formula Brakes booth. What they did was place the dropouts with eccentric mounting bolts. So as you reposition the bolts, the dropouts can move.
October 5th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
_Eccentric_.. The aluminum washer has an eccentric boss on it, and the boss fits into a slot in the frame. As you rotate the washer, the dropout moves back and forth to tension the chain. Once it is in place, you tighten both bolts.
October 8th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
This is an old track bike idea.
Linky http://www.edsbikes.us/1899replica.htm
Looks very light weight and elegant though!