Chain Tensioners

We love a single-speed at Off Course, but not all bikes can be set up this way without alteration. These chain tensioners and dropout adjusters from Surly will make sure your chain holds its optimum tension, and your wheel stays correctly positioned in the dropouts.

Surly’s Singleator chain tensioner is definitely a fan-favourite here. Classic rugged Surly design keeps it tough and strong enough for even the most demanding use-cases.

Tuggnuts, Snuggnuts and Hurdy Gurdys all fulfil slightly different roles for non-vertical dropout adjustment.See below for a brief breakdown:

Hurdy Gurdy
This is a slip-preventer for open-facing, semi-horizontal dropouts. The threaded section goes in through the back of the dropout, anchoring it in place. 2 holes in the Hurdy Gurdy then offer anchoring points for the rear axle. Insert the axle through these holes, and you will have no issue with slipping.

The Hurdy Gurdy is ideally suited to the Cross-Check

Snuggnut
The Snuggnut is designed for 12mm thru-axles in vertically-slotted horizontal dropouts, with rearward openings.

Like the Hurdy Gurdy, the axle goes through the hole in the Snuggnut body. By turning the snuggnut screw, then, you push the axle back in the dropout, as the Snuggnut “slider” engages with the dropout itself, pushing back.

Use this for the Karate Monkey, Krampus, Wednesday, Ice Cream Truck and Ogre.

Tuggnut
The Tuggnut is similar to the Snuggnut, but accommodates QR and bolt-on axles, rather than only 12mm thru-axles.

Fun-fact: only one is needed (on the drive side dropout) as this is where the force from powerful pedalling is concentrated.

If you’re still unsure about what parts you need to realise your dreams of the single-speed world championships, get in touch with us here at Off Course.