Brompton Chain Tensioner Issues

#brompton #bromptonfoldingbike #ChainTensioner
So we had a few issues with our 2-Speed Chain tensioner recently where it broke and we had to replace it. Sharing our thoughts and the differences between the 3-speed and 2/6-speed Brompton Chain Tensioners and how long they last us.

[@norahalkefs]

May I say,WELCOME BACK????

[@CycleEveryday]

Thanks Nora 😀👍

[@garryfensome9209]

May I second that👍

[@CycleEveryday]

@@garryfensome9209 thanks Garry 👍😀

[@Aragorn333]

Glad to see your new video again 😊

[@CycleEveryday]

Thanks Jennifer 😀👍

[@bikeguyhk]

thanks for the useful explanation

[@CycleEveryday]

No worries!

[@lostinlivi]

I keep an old toothbrush for cleaning the jockey wheels and chain pusher on my 6-speed. Every three or four times I lube the chain, I remove the tensioner and clean out the crap that builds up on the jockey wheels. I find that mud from wet roads and gritty paths can build up in the chain pusher and prevent smooth gear changes so while the chain is 'loose' I give the pusher a clean out too.

[@CycleEveryday]

Yeah it’s a good thing to do often and keep on top of it. Hopefully you will get a few more miles out of it. Like you suggested, a lot easier to clean if you remove it 👍

[@Orpheus.Machine]

I already biked more than 5000 km with my 6 speed Brompton : no visual wear yet on the chain tensioner, though I bike through all sorts of circumstances (wet, muddy, snow, ...). The secret is that I don't use oil based lubricants on my chain, but Squirt Lube (liquid wax). The disadvantage is that you have to apply it 2 to 3 times as often than oil based lubes, especially when the weather is wet, but the advantage is that the cleaning and lubricating is super simple and fast, since the wax is not attracting dirt into the chain. So in the end, the total time I spend on cleaning and lubing my bike is less with wax than with oil and the extra bonus is that it's not a messy affair. And since there is nearly no dirt sticking to the chain, there is a lot less stress on the chain tensioner and the sprockets. Oil is a better lubricant than wax when the chain is still clean, but since the chain of a Brompton is so close to the ground, even after one hour of biking, there is a lot of dirt on the chain when using oil.

[@CycleEveryday]

That’s interesting. I did think about trying wax during this summer but like you said in the winter when it’s near constantly wet and dirty on my route its more challenging. Definitely something to think about though 👍 I do go along canal paths to work, although they are very well paved and better than a lot of roads around here. Just the leaves that are the problem along them really. Plus you don’t get the salt and grit on the cycle paths like you on the roads. Worst thing I find at the moment as it just rusts everything unless you keep on top it. Thanks for the tip though 👍

[@Orpheus.Machine]

@@CycleEveryday When wet, I lube about every 3 days, since liquid wax is removed by water. While the wax is removed by the water, the little bit of dirt that sticks to the wax also disappears, so your chain is a lot cleaner than with oil based lubes. And it takes only about 10 minutes to clean and lube the chain. Compare that with the mess you get when using oil based lubes. In dry weather, I lube about once a week. Of course, you have to apply the liquid wax the evening before you are going to use your bike, so that the wax can dry during the night.

[@CycleEveryday]

Having to wash my bike at least every other day at the moment due to the grit on the roads so that wouldn’t be an issue in terms of putting new wax on the chain. Will definitely look into it and see how it goes though as think it will help quite a bit

[@SergeRychkov]

@@CycleEveryday You can check the YT channel Zero friction cycling - the aussie gives very good step by step information about waxing and its benefits.

[@CycleEveryday]

Thanks Sergey. Will check that out 👍😀

[@platypushatstand]

I’ve never had this problem on my 2012 H6R. I bought two new jockeys wheels as spares a few years back (cheaper than a new derailleur, they’re still unused). Keep it clean, I use an old toothbrush to clean off loose debris and a broken spoke to prod out the more stubborn grime. It can take 20 minutes but it’s worth it. I can’t quite fathom how you’ve managed to break the outer cages of the jockey wheels.

[@CycleEveryday]

Maybe it is the winter weather? ❄️☃️🌨️🍂🍁

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Hmm. Never had any tensioner issues on my four Bromptons (1 x 2spd, 3 x 6spd) over the ten years I've been riding them daily in every weather. My cleaning regime is noticeably less intense than yours though - wash the bike once a fortnight in the winter, once a month in the summer. Wash includes getting the sprocket brush in on the jockey wheels. Chain is lightly relubed afterwards, with a dab of lube on the tensioner spindles. Once every couple of months I'll pop the chain off and give it a deep clean and relube.

[@CycleEveryday]

Must be the routes I am using then Duncan. At the moment the chain is lasting around the same on the two speed as well. Noticeable difference though between the two different set ups. The 3-Speed parts last much longer than the 2-speed when it comes to the drive chain bits 👍

[@sid669907]

Is it best to replace the whole thing or can you just replace the two wheels.

[@CycleEveryday]

You can just replace the two wheels and that is slightly cheaper to do. I normally replace the whole thing though as the nuts and bolts tend to go rusty after a while and sometimes develop a squeak as well 👍

[@nh64uk78]

Try the DRY Muc-off chain lube. Never liked the WET lube which I think you are using.

[@joechamma]

Just found out about this channel 😍😍. I'm currently in Melbourne and also ride a Brompton (M6L Tempest Blue). I've had it for almost a year and very happy with it. I just have my seat post sliding every time I'm riding and can't seem to find the appropriate solution. Don't know if you have a video on the issue or any tips for it...

[@CycleEveryday]

Hi Joe. Thanks for watching the channel. If the seat post is slipping and I guess you mean moving down as you are riding you can tighten the easy release bolt slightly. It wont need to be tightened too much though, but that should help. Also, if you give it a clean and keep it dry and free from grease that should help a lot too. Hope that helps? 👍

[@joechamma]

@@CycleEveryday I tried tightening it abit on Saturday but it still kept sliding as I rode on...

[@CycleEveryday]

Have you got a saddle height insert in it? If you haven’t then that might help. My original Brompton didn’t have one and I brought one for it. I haven’t had any issues since then. If you have one then it might be worth taking the seat post out and giving it a really good clean 👍

[@joechamma]

No i don't @@CycleEveryday . I guess i could try to pass by my Brompton Junction store in Melbourne and ask for one. I could give it a try. Thank You...

[@CycleEveryday]

That might be good and they can advise further. Good luck and hope they sort it out for you 👍

[@benskoppel4969]

Does the chain tensioner on your 2 speed make any rattling noises in the high gear? I recently got a 2 speed and have been noticing a rattling, but only when riding in the high gear, so was wondering whether this is normal?

[@CycleEveryday]

It is normal for the two speed to make slightly different noises in different gears. Mine does but just check the bolts are all done up properly just in case. 👍

[@benskoppel4969]

@@CycleEveryday Thanks … was just me being a bit dumb. I made a slight adjustment to one of the screws on the chain pusher and now the gears are very quiet and smooth. I found this Brompton vid which explained the process, very simple - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKbRepuwj8ugqqs

[@earlbee3196]

🚲 ✌🏻🧑🏼‍🦱✌🏻 Super Top Tip .

[@CycleEveryday]

Thanks! 👍

[@GlobalAdventurer]

One more reason to buy a 3 speed. But, Brompton will no longer make 3 speeds :(

[@CycleEveryday]

Yeah. I am personally a huge fan of the 3-speed in terms of ease of maintenance on things like the chain tensioner. Can’t beat the internal hub for simplicity 🙁

[@SergeRychkov]

the A line is 3 speed and it's better than the 3 speed C line, because you don't overpay and can customize it to your own needs.