The title says it all. Would it be a smart/good idea to convert the bike to a 1×10 by removing the unnecessary chainrings and the derailleur/shifter? I only want to keep the middle 32t chainring and I do not use the other ones at all. I was able to cycle through every single rear gear on just the middle chainring before. I just want to remove unnecessary weight.
by Significant_Book_408
6 Comments
This would be fine just either run a front d as a chain keeper by using the limit screws to fix it in place (you may need longer ones) or get a narrow wide chainring.
You can, but the chain would be more prone to coming off vs using a dedicated 1x narrow-wide chainring. You can leave the front derailleur and adjust the limits for it to function like a chain guide if you don’t want to buy a new chainring
I run this exact crank on my 90s mtb turned 1×9 street cruiser. I used a narrow wide raceface ring in place of the middle ring. Non clutched rear mech since it isn’t hitting trails or anything. Ive taken it off small jumps and rough trails, but never dropped a chain since i converted it 2 years ago. No chain retention is needed as of yet. Keep in mind, you’ll need some 1x chainring bolts or some spacers to make the current bolts fit
Yes you can. Before you start buying stuff try riding it without shifting the front derailleur. Having a high enough high gear and low enough low gear can be challenging without spending a bunch of money. Chain retention with a narrow-wide chainring is ok and when combined with a more modern clutch rear derailleur is quite good (narrow-wide chainring makes a bigger difference than the clutch rear derailleur). Even my 12 speed Shimano with a 10-51 lacks the gear range that I had with my 23 year old 3×8 (44-32-20 and 11-34 for a 680% range) and it’s going to be a while until we’re going to see 1x drivetrains truly compete with the range potential offered by a 3x but it’s typically good enough. A purpose built 1x drivetrain is great – especially the 12 speed stuff but low budget conversions are unlikely to be a real improvement. XT stuff is great. Your bike is old. Why not just ride it as is until your chain, cassette and middle chainring is worn out and needs replacement? Depending upon your rear hub you can possibly convert it to microspline and thus get 12 speed.
If weight is your concern the newer 1x versions are probably lighter.
If you’d like to sell this one (and it’s a 175) let me know. I have an old junk bike I’d like to put it on.
We used to do this all the time. You’ll need a narrow wide chainring and clutch derailleur, or a chain guide.