chain genie assists single speed cyclists struggling with tricky re-tensioning

chain genie assists single speed cyclists struggling with tricky re-tensioning
image © designboom

working at a bike shop in leeds, UK, ryan jonathan gregson saw an opportunity to invent a chain tensioning tool without jamming a shaft with a hammer. the totally inadequate process dealt by bike mechanics would see the hammer continually slip or fall off. the ‘chain genie’ is aimed at single speed and fixed gear bike riders who struggle with the anatomy of their bicycle in order to re-tension their chain without removing it. the tool was initially developed in 2009 and crafted from pine wood, which was insufficient for use, as pine is a soft wood, and damaged easily from the pressure needed for the wheel to slide back. 

the tool slides between the tire and frame to add tension to the chain without relinking
image courtesy of spin king

in 2011, they developed the tool from african hardwood with the inclusion of a v-shaped channel down one side, offering more security and stability to the back wheel during use. however, due to the expensiveness of african hardwood, the current crop of ‘chain genie’ tools have been manufactured using solid oak, sourced from british timber merchants. the grain and color of the wood is slightly different but the strength and versatility of oak is just as robust as the african hardwood models. ryan jonathan gregson founded spin king industries to manufacture the tool and has been generally well received by the cycling community. the final result is a tool that is light and nifty, and in the right hands, will last a single speed cyclist a lifetime. 

it’s made from locally sourced british timber merchants 
image courtesy of spin king

designed for tricky re-tensioning situations while on-the-go 
image courtesy of spin king

v-shaped channel down one side offers better stability with the wheel 
image courtesy of spin king