T-Cycle Floating Chaintube Holder with Flared Tube

TerraCycle's floating chaintube holder allows you to use short sections of chaintube which will have the ability to move up and down, left and right with the chain, while staying in place fore and aft to protect your frame from chain rub. Traditional methods of fixing chaintubes to recumbents usually result in the tube fighting the chain, causing friction and noise since the chaintubes are fixed in place or minimally movable.

This new system follows the same philosophy as their floating idlers- it's best to allow movement as you change gears and let the chain go where it needs to go. This is proving to be the solution for many bikes/trikes that need some frame protection without adding additional idlers. Hostel Shoppe offers the mount in a "Universal" version that attaches to the frame with Zip Ties. It's possible to put this version almost anyplace.

Chaintubes have a reputation for being noisy, draggy, and prone to filling with chain crud. While this can be true, it doesn't have to be. It's possible to have a chain tube that is almost friction free, and unlikely to get gunked up.

Here's how to do it:

• Let the chaintube float with the chain. You want the chaintube to cover the chain, not tell it where to go.
• Use the right chaintube material. TerraCycle uses a special low noise, extra slippery plastic.
• Keep the chaintube as short as possible. The longer the tube, the more it will gunk up and the more the chain can vibrate inside. Shorter is better, down to about 3" (75mm).
• Flare the ends. The entry end is most important, of course, but the exit end makes a big difference too. TerraCycle flares both ends with a special process that thickens the ends as well as shaping them for smooth chain flow. These are supplied with two small zipties for attachment to the mount. Some applications may require two floating chaintube holders. 30cm long