Blackspire Stinger Chain Tensioner

Works great with dual front chainrings

I installed this on my Giant Reign because I was experiencing a lot of chain slap. I'm running a 2x9 setup and can run in all gear combinations.

Pros: Cheap, reliable, effective

Cons: Had to space out the crank so it would rub against the inner chainring bolts

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 18, 2013
Reviewed by: Corey M., Banks

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Stinger

Went on like a charm and holds the chain in place. Less chain slap is a lot quieter and still shifts great.

Pros: Perfect

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 13, 2013
Reviewed by: BK., Montana

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stinger bb mount

This performed quite well at first . chain retention was excellent and the noise level way down . installation on my type 1 nomad was tricky in that the chain line on my race face cranks had to be shifted 1 mm for the inner bolts to clear the guard. I was a happy camper until a couple of light hits on log crossings. the stinger no matter how tight winds up rotating and rubbing on the bash and hitting the swing arm eventually.

Pros: nice and quiet. good chain retention., nice design.

Cons: maybe you'll have better luck with iscg unit, I had to remove mine.

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: No

Reviewed on: March 11, 2013
Reviewed by: willy d, Colorado

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The only double ring guide I never needed

I used this little critter for a couple years with no major issues. This always held the lower area of the chain on. I no longer use the stinger only cause the derailleur couldn't hold the top side of the chain on the chain rings. Only when playing around. If you like to keep your wheels on the ground, you won't have any problems. If not, loose the granny ring and look into a full top and bottom guide. I think its a good product, just not for me. I would recommend this for cross country riding. That is all.

Pros: Weight, simplicity and the price is fair

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 05, 2013
Reviewed by: Chase M., Texas

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Awesome chain keeper!

I researched several chain keeper options before I went with the Stinger. I looked at MRP's, Gamut's, E-thirteen's, etc. My main criteria were dual chainring compatibility (while using my own bash guard), very little plastic, and e-type derailleur allowance. The Stinger fits my needs perfectly. It works very well, was pretty simple to install, is made of all metal except for the roller and cost half as much as other systems. I brag about it so much that one of my bro's went and got one too. Happy to say he's also a believer.

Pros: Minimalistic design, dual chainring retention, easy install, e-type compatible, lightweight, way cheaper than others, runs stealthily, strong construction, doesn't affect shifting, Canadian!

Cons: zero

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 19, 2012
Reviewed by: Shane W., Oregon

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Works fine as a budget chain guide until you smack the adapter plate on a rock and bend it. They're so cheap though that it's still a good value. I've had a couple of these and generally had no problems with a dual ring setup.

Pros: Great value

Cons: Bracket might get bent

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 09, 2012
Reviewed by: es, Oregon

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Used on a Nomad with a 22x34xBashring combo. I got the model that bolts on to ISCG tabs. Easy install, holds chain in place great.

Pros: Probably only dropped my chain once in 2 seasons of givin' it heck. Has a beaver on it.

Cons: Had to drill out the hole on the back side of the roller cause it was sticking on the pin and not rotating.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 04, 2012
Reviewed by: Gnarlyle, Oregon

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I have the non-iscg version and found that I could never get it tight enough. It would constantly slip and wouldnt stay in position. Even when it would stay put at the beginning of a ride, I didn't find that it helped much with the chain tension. Perhaps the iscg version is better but that's my experience with the bb version. The instructions are also not very helpful. I can't recommend this product.

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: No

Reviewed on: September 09, 2012


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I went to a single ring in the front for my All-Mtn bike - which does not have ISCG tabs - and this was the cheapest and effective solution. Before you buy it, make sure the roller lines up underneath your chain ring so that the chain stays in place. Also, I still have my front derailur on to act as the top chain guide... I did this because I am cheap, and didn't want to buy the expensive top guide by eThirteen, etc...

Reviewed on: July 19, 2012
Reviewed by: Aaron B.

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NOT recommended

The problem with the Stinger is that it's too thick and you really need to space the drive side crank arm out to get it to clear (ISCG5 version). Once I faced down my ISCG tabs, I got it to work but I don't recommend that!

Pros: Light, works if you can get it to fit your bike!

Cons: ISCG versions won't fit most bikes without facing the tabs or grinding thinner!

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: No

Reviewed on: June 25, 2012
Reviewed by: Greg A., Oregon

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I've had this chain tensioner for so long and it has never failed. The chain stays on no matter what and the roller wears off very slowly. The only problem I've had is a bit of rust on the bolt.

Pros: -Simple
-Works well
-Cheap
-Lasts long time

Cons: You may need to grind a bit of material off to avoid any chain contact or interferences with other components such as chainstay, chainring bolts etc.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: March 25, 2012
Reviewed by: Rodrigo V., International

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works great for some bikes

I was tired of the chain popping off the xc bike. Since I only have 2 rings up front I figured this would work out great. After installing it there was tension while pedaling. I made several attempts and then took the bike to the shop where they made several attempts. Well, it never worked out.

Pros: not sure

Cons: will not fit all bikes. Not sure which bottom brackets may have issues

Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: No

Reviewed on: March 18, 2012
Reviewed by: ARIC S., Washington

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Does the trick.

Simple, easy to set up, inexpensive does what its supposed to.

I am using the BB version with a 22/32 with a bash.

Pros: It has a Beaver on it.

Works great, inexpensive easy so use

Made in Canada

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 27, 2012
Reviewed by: Gordy!, New York (the cool part)

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Great bargain chain guide

Works perfectly, have been using a few weeks...no chain problems.

Pros: Simplicity
Cost
Quality

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: July 18, 2011
Reviewed by: Daniel O., Philadelphia, PA

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It works well and is less expensive than other brands.

Pros: Light weight. Well built

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: June 12, 2011
Reviewed by: John, Oregon

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works w/ my double and a bashring setup in keeping the chain in place. I don't notice any significant drag

Pros: smooth rollers
keeps chains in place

Cons: Doesn't work properly w/ Ibis Mojo bikes due to their dropped chain stay. Doesn't provide enough tension to do its job

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: April 29, 2011
Reviewed by: Reyhan F., Arizona

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chain tensioner not a chain guide

i run a 1x9 hard tail. cranks with bash guard for az riding. after i installed this, while my chain slack seems to have disappeared, i am throwing my chain off ALOT more than i used to. i bought this to keep my chain on (as a sort of dual purpose, noting it was not its intended purpose but could help anyway). i am not sure how this is happening to be completely honest. somehow a paul chain guide AND this cost less than, and are lighter than, full guide-tensioner-bash setups, so this is what i am doing. i hoped this would have solved my chain loss issues, but it did not on its own.

Pros: light, cheap, effective at keeping chain tension, reducing chain slap, MANY options for attachment

Cons: not really a con because it was NOT designed as a GUIDE, but it did not help (possibly hurt) chain derailment

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: April 04, 2011
Reviewed by: spenser b.

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The Stinger is a great alternative to it's more expensive competition. It installs easily and does the same job as it's competition at a fraction of the price. One of the better values I've found in bike parts, it works flawlessly with my dual ring setup.

Pros: Value, simplicity

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: April 01, 2011
Reviewed by: GJ, California

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change slack, what's that?

a thing of the past that's what!!

Pros: WORKS... what more needs too be said

Cons: NON

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 13, 2011
Reviewed by: Dell T., New Jersey

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Great product!

Keeps the chain on, reduces noise!

Pros: Works

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: February 05, 2011
Reviewed by: craig m., Nevada

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Simple, Light, Effective

I managed to get some good bomber runs in on this before the winter weather set in and it is very nice. It lets me run a front Deraileur and still keep my chain on in the rough stuff. Installation is simple and now means that I do not have to remove my old single ring guide at the end of each summer's resort season. I ride a single bike for all of my XC and Downhill adventures so gear like this is perfect for me.

Pros: Easy install
Effective
Light


Cons: Slight drag - not so bad I would remove it


Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: December 09, 2010
Reviewed by: Jesse B., New Mexico

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Problem solved! I was having my chain jump to small ring plus skipping on middle ring. Bought this set up and haven’t had any problems. Nice to know when I go to pedal hard out of rough sections my chain wont jump on me. I’m running a dual chain ring with the x-type bb attachment.

Pros: works great, low cost, plus color options

Cons: n/a

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: November 12, 2010
Reviewed by: scott m., California

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Simple and does the job

one of the most simple design, easy to install and works like a charm.

Pros: simple , easy to install

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 27, 2010
Reviewed by: Steve C., Washington

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I've ran this Stinger for 3 seasons now and maybe drop the chain 2 times in all that time. This thing just works! And especially for the price, I don't see why people spend up to $100 for other systems.

I have the version that's secured by the bottom bracket. It's solid and hasn't moved.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 15, 2010
Reviewed by: Philip W., San Diego, California

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Installed on my AM bike with dual ring config. Chain line is great with Shimano SLX integrated crankset but with RF Atlas crakset, it something is bit off. When shifted to granny gear, chain rubs badly on the inner plate.

Pros: Cheap, light, and simple to install.

Cons: Chain rubs in inner plate when used with RF crankset (Atlas) in granny gear.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 15, 2010
Reviewed by: Mtn biker, Colorado

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