Just curious who else here bought a upper chain roller from TM Designworks?

Have you had any problems with it?

After installing it, it seems the roller is too small. I had to adjust the chain tighter than I usually would so that it doesn't smack the frame (nearly taunt with no slack whatsoever).

Also, it seems once I'm seated on the bike, the chain is constantly touching the roller. I've only rode for two hours after installation and I've already got 2 small grooves on each side of the roller (where the chain is rubbing it so much).

The center section that stands up seems too short. In my opinion that "mohawk" piece of material should make the roller spin, not the outside edges.

I've ensured the roller bolt isn't very tight, and it does spin quite easily.

Any comments or suggestions??

I plan on calling them for their opinions later, I'll let you all know.

 

Are you sure that you have the rear shock preload & compression damping set "correctly" for your weight? If the rearend sags a little, the chain will be closer to the roller won't it? My chain doesn't touch the stock roller when I am sitting on the DS. Also, the chain tension can change when you sit on the DS as the rear shock compresses, so make sure that reach back while sitting on it and see if the chain tension is still about right.

 

If your chain is tight with no weight on the suspension... your asking for serious trouble. You should always find the tightest point in the chain then have someone tighten it up to the specs while your sitting on the beast.

 

I talked with Tim at TM Designworks, he mentioned considering my weight the suspension definitely needs to be adjusted. I never thought of it considering I never experienced a problem with my other bikes.

I plan on calling Works tomorrow and discussing how to set proper "sag" on the DS and possibly changing the rear spring.

I'll let you know.

 

I doubt you'll have to change the rear spring. The rear suspension has a tremendous amount of adjustment built into it. When you start adjusting it you'll see what I mean. When you start tightening the preload, the rearend will get higher and higher. Also, the compression damping adjustment works pretty good too. It is located at the nitrogen reservoir. Clockwise increases damping.

 

i used a 60mm skateboard wheel. cut it on both sides to leave a 1/4" + 1/4" rib. used the skateboard brgs. they have a 8mm pilot. the same as stock. installed 2-1-00. no sign of wear. this was my son's idea.

 

Excellent idea!!

The TM Designworks roller is still a prototype and not in full production yet. But, it's considerably smaller than the stock roller. I believe it’s too small though. Taking into consideration the skateboard wheel, that’s nearly the exact same diameter as the stock roller. In my opinion I shouldn’t have to adjust my bike whatsoever (suspension wise) to accommodate this prototype roller.

Did you have to cut the overall width down on the skateboard wheel for it to fit?

Thanks!

 

i tryed 3 types. some are too rounded. no width problem.

 

I had to think for a second, what you meant by "too rounded" but you mean the wheel itself is tapered like ( ) instead of [ ] right?

By any chance do you remember the manufacturer of skateboard wheel you used? I looked up quite a few, but I don't want to run into the problem you mentioned, if I order over the net. I may have to visit a local shop.

 

I don't think the design intent of the chain roller was for it to be in contact with the chain at all times. For 6 months I had no chain roller problems. Then I loosened the rear shock preload too much causing the chain to be in contact with the roller. One ride and the roller was history, so I stiffened up the preload. Obviously not a good design.