This is a beautiful part that I would like to dedicate an article on its own. K6-III at Bike Forums came up with it. Thanks! I have been evaluating some DMR chain devices and some others for use with my Alfine internal gear hub, but did not really find what I was searching for. I would like to get rid of the heavy Alfine chain tensioner (see image at right side) due to several reasons. Unlike the DMR and other tensioners mounted at bottom bracket, the Kore tensioner uses a cantilever spring to maintain chain tension and therefore, once installed, does not need to be adjusted manually. Here are some reasons for replacing chain tensioner mounted at derailleur hanger:

• weight
• need to completely remove Alfine chain tensioner for rear wheel deinstallation, making it a pain since it stays losely connected to chain running through the pulleys. Reinstallation of tensioner is kind of cumbersome.
• why routing chain through these small pulleys in tight bends just to keep some tension on it?
• less cleaning effort

I may probably give it a try. Benefits would be shorter chain length (weight), no more pulleys, nothing that could deform derailleur hanger when being hit accidentially, wheel removal much easier. On the other hand, it might cause some noise when being operated. However, since it needs to be mounted at rearmost part of chainstay due to special Big Dummy frame, not fulfilling Kore mounting instructions, I doubt there is enough vertical chain clearance that could be used up to create tension at chain, so this purchase would be kind of risky in terms of cost. I will need to ask for price at first. Anyway, after doing some research it looks like this item is not easily available over here.

I will have to replace my Big Dummy tires for my 2009 trips. Up to now I used Schwalbe Fat Frank, which showed good riding comfort and low resistance, but I was not really impressed with their durability. I am currently looking for longer lasting tire alternatives. My requirements are

• big fat tires with good riding comfort
• hybrid tread pattern for road and light offroad usage, running easily
• acceptable durability even with some load on bicycle
• not too heavy if ever possible

These are some ideas for pretty wide 26″ Big Dummy allround tires:

• Maxxis Hookworm (2.5″): good looking and durable, but extremely heavy, good grip on tarmac, limited offroad usage
• Maxxis Holy Roller (2.2″, 2.4″): leightweighted, good offroad capabilites
• DMR Moto folding tire (2.2″, 2.4″): thanks to Björn for pointing me to this! Lightweighted and good hybrid tire
• DMR Transition (2.2″, 2.4″): road usage mostly
• IRC Lovers Soul (2.25″): road usage mostly
• Halo Twin Rail (2.2″): several tread colours available, hybrid tire pattern
• Kenda Kiniption (2.3″): road usage mostly, cheap, click here and scroll down for all 26″ sizes available
• Kenda K-Rad (2.3″/2.5″): currently my favourite. Affordable, similar to DMR Moto, not too heavy, good hybrid quality, click here and scroll down for all 26″ sizes available
• Snafu Rim Job/Knob Job (2.35″) (scroll down page)
• Geax Tattoo (2.3″), Geax Booze (2.3), both have rigid and fold versions. The sooner is also available with white color

BTW Schwalbe provides a new colour for its Fat Frank tires besides black and creme: brown (USED HQ has got an image of a complete cycle with brown Fat Franks, looking kind of red). Should look nice at the Big Dummy. However, there were durability issues with my creme coloured Fat Frank at the Big Dummy.

Finally, for you fancy wheelbuilders out there I would like to point out availability of white powder coated spokes at Halo. They are selling them in many lengths, unlike those colourful atomlab spokes being sold only at some very specific lengths for atomlab hubs and rims. I have been searching for such spokes previously, so I would like to add it here.

Late addendum (2009/01/28): I finally decided to order a set of Snafu Knob Job tires, listed above. I got them fairly cheap and they look nice. In the long run I might switch over to using the new Schwalbe Marathon Extreme DD being not as heavy on the one hand, but longer lasting on the other, but these are very expensive and they are not yet available right now.