Alfine - how do I avoid a chain tensioner?

[d_douglas]

I am going to convert my Redline ti CX to an 8spd Alfine drivetrain system. I hate the look of chaintensioners and wonder if there is an elegant, cost effective way to avoid using these things?

Are there EBBs that fit into a standard BBshell? This is a 10+ year old frame, so think old school. I am using BB7 road disc brakes if this is an important consideration...


Thanks for any thoughts/ideas!

Darren

[joelmalm]

Take a look at " Exzentriker BB "
They are eccentric bottom brackets, made for standard bottom bracket shell.

Well built, and will last a long time.

http://www.trickstuff.de/en/products/exzentriker_KL.php

[tuscanyswe]

Ive used a similar bb with good results. Only issue is its hollowtech 2 specific more or less. You cant get more than approx a halflink out of the bb in tension.
Should work nicely for your application.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4133/5000927090_591873d005_b.jpg
Its still going strong but now fitted on a cargo bike.

[EricEstlund]

Phil also offers a version of that.

Depending on your gearing you may luck into a set up that doesn't need a tensioner. Maybe not.

[cp43]

Phil also offers a version of that.

Depending on your gearing you may luck into a set up that doesn't need a tensioner. Maybe not.
If you don't luck into it the first time, you can change the sizes of the ring and cog to move the axle forward or backward. Sheldon talks about how that works here:

http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html#vertical (http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed-conversion.html#vertical)


Good luck,

Chris

[d_douglas]

OK, well, I should mention that I am not using an Alfine crank. I am using a square taper Ritchey (at this point anyways).

As for tensioning, it needs to need pretty good, as I am hauling precious cargo! I would seriously not want to drop a chain while towing my kids.

I would love the Phil one, but it is only for fancy cranks ;).