Tandem chain tensioner, cog or wheel?

[yoothgeye]

When I bought my tandem the original chain tensioner was MIA, in it's place was an unmodified rear derailer, and it seemed to work fine, but it's sure ugly and makes alot of noise.

Now, making a new tensioner, given the stock mounting tab, should be super easy, but I want advice on what all of you think might be better.

#1- cog: As of now, the only small cogs I have would be out of a rear derailer (plentiful) but all are plastic just have a bushing to spin on.

#2- wheel: I am thinking of taking a skateboard wheel with bearing, and grinding or cutting out a groove for the chain to ride in. I feel like this would be quiet and very smooth, but I'm thinking it might put more stress on the chain than the cog.

Both would be equally easy to make (maybe the skateboard wheel would be easier), and I think both would do the job, but if I'm going to do it, I want to do it right and do it once.

 

[udallcustombikes]

Either would do the job. Since the tensioner goes on the lower (non-drive) side of the chain it shouldn't have a load on it. It just acts as a guide. The question becomes which would look better. IMHO the small sprocket from a derailer would be much easier on the eyes, easily replaceable should it wear out, and free. The skateboard wheel would cost more, require modifications, and, unless you find one to match the bike, would stick out like a sore thumb. You could always post in the wanted section for a correct tensioner sprocket and see who has one in the parts bin for ya.

 

[aka_locojoe]

I made a bracket and used a sprocket from a derailer.