chain tensioner

[starass]

I just bought a 2nd mod bike. It didn't come with a chain tensioner. I'm wondering if it is ok to leave it as it is..
Any advice would be great. Thanks

[rush]

Does it have a tensioner at the dropouts? It may sound silly to ask when youve said it doesnt, but I thought you might be thinking about a stock type tensioner.

[starass]

nope. I'm asking about mod. No tensioner at dropout. So I was wondering if the tensioner is really that important?

[chronic]

nope. I'm asking about mod. No tensioner at dropout. So I was wondering if the tensioner is really that important?
I dont think you understand what he is asking...Not a surly singleator/rennen style tensioner...
Mods usually have these little serrated plates on both ends of the rear axle which locks into a pin on each drop out to maintain tension.

[tomacropod]

tighten the nuts. Ride it. that will tell you.

IMHO, the tensioner is to set wheel position and tension, not to hold the wheel. Most mod and BMX hubs seem to come with plain nuts, not the proper track nuts with an integrated washer which allow you to get good clamping force. Mod hubs which use a 5mm allen key to tighten bog-standard shitty bolts into the axle should be shot. and again.

- Joel