easiest way to go 1x9?

[.8down]

Im thinking of making my old 02 spesh a 1x9, in the process I want to remove the spline BB and run an external...(just because Im insane like that), Im eyeballing a ss crankset on sale at Cambria...is this the right approach? logically it seems so, but Ive done things based on logic only to find that my logic was based on my ignorance...., making it completely invalid.

[.8down]

Originally Posted by mechmann

SS cranks are fine

you will need a Rholoff Chain guide.

also it is best to have a short cage RD

make sure you shorten the chain.

i usually try to setup the chainline on my bikes so it is offset to the inside some (for external BB that means no spacers on the drive side). if you run shimano cranks you can modify them to run a narrower Q, it takes a bit of grinding. i don't know about others.

a few Q's

why do I need a chain guide?
is running a short cage RD a must? if so why?

my apologies for the possibly simple questions, but you have to look at my bike building intellect as bare minimal..

[chanca]

I have a 3-ring crank that I want to convert to 1-ring to run a 1x9. I considered the SS-specific cranksets (Truvativ 1.1, RaceFace Evolve SS, Deus SS), but instead opted to use my existing Shimano LX crank, taking off all 3 chainrings and putting on a single-speed specific chainring. I am using the RaceFace DH 32t, however I have heard good things about the Blackspire Mono Velace -- other options are available from Spot, Sugino to name a few. The main thing is to get an unramped ring. I am intentionally not putting on a bashguard or N-Stop, want to see if I can get by without those, but if the chain starts slipping, then I'll have to. Good luck...

Also, i'm going to use a med-cage rear derailleur

[.8down]

so the smaller cages are to shorten the chain and get more of a direct drive feel? I like that thought for sure...I was talking to the guy at my LBS and he said you could potentially leave your FD on to act as a chain guide, but I like your idea more cuz I get to buy cool stuff!!!!!

[allison]

Originally Posted by .8down

so the smaller cages are to shorten the chain and get more of a direct drive feel? I like that thought for sure...I was talking to the guy at my LBS and he said you could potentially leave your FD on to act as a chain guide, but I like your idea more cuz I get to buy cool stuff!!!!!

You could probably do that also (especially if money is tight - Rohloff guide is like $60+).

The guide is definitely great, though. I've never had a chain fall off. It's been close, but due to the guide it always goes back into place with a pedal stroke.

[autoduel]

You can spend as much or as little as you want.
Everything you need you already have. If you want specialized equipment specifically for 1x9 thats where it gets $$. I'm still running a ramped ring (in reverse) on a triple crank and a homemade chain guide that has only dropped the chain if I backpedal in the extreme gears. Something I don't do anyway.

[Edog]

your triple ring using the same crankset you will need a new set of bolts, unless you run a bash ring. I ran my external bottom bracket snug to the frame & spaced it on the left. If you just riding fairly mellow stuff you might get away with out using the chain guide. These bolts should do the trick

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Bolt+Set.aspx

Reversing the ramped ring works well too, did that on a single speed for a while

[autoduel]

Originally Posted by mechmann

steven also has a whacky spring attached to his RD to help with chain tension...



he is right though, you can be creative and use readily available items.

That's because my chain is too long and I'm running a mid cage derailleur. It was an experiment gone permanent.
I've heard the longer teeth on the SS rings are more capable of keeping the chain on the ring without a guide.

[capnsavem]

this is an awesome thread.

[autoduel]

And a bash guard is only needed if you only run an "inner guide"
If you have rohloff of another guide that totally encloses the chain, a bash guard is unnecessary for XC.

[.8down]

this is what Im eyeballing:



according to the site it comes with the bash and ring(seems to be not pictured)

[tkblazer]

i think j_simms has one of those, said he comes loose often...maybe some red loctite on those crank bolts

[.8down]

well Jsims just gave Duan an ss crank...maybe he can chime in and save me from making a grave mistake....

[allison]

I don't have a bash ring/guard on my 1x9, but only cause it's a 28T ring. I don't think I've ever come close to hitting anything.

OTOH, on my SS right now I'm running an XTR crankset with the 32T middle ring.. small ring off, and we're putting a Blackspire Xgod bash guard on the big ring spider.

[dstepper]

There would only be one reason I would switch to outboard bearings and that would be to run Enduro ceramic bearings. Until then I will be content to run Phil Wood Stainless Steel BB and square taper cranks. In fact I bought a pair of pre Turbine Race Face cranks at the swap meet for $15.

[MTBMaven]

Check out the Jump Stop by N-Gear.

30 grams. $10 and prepayment if not required. It took me less than 5 minutes to install. Nick's customer service is rad.

[bevaaler]

This also may be a stupid question, but on a 1x9 setup, what is the ideal size for the front chain ring??? I see people with 32T, 28T, 34T anyone with experience on a 1x9 setup have suggestions? I got the Rohlhoff and ready to transfer my SRAM X9 stuff onto this 1x9 project.. So I am loving this thread, great info for us slightly less than mechanically inclined.. Thanks, Erik

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by mechmann

i used Ngear for a long time. they are no where near as good as Rohloff. for the simple reason that the clamp is plastic and cannot stand up to a beating.

I'll give it a bash and see how long it holds up. I figure if i go through less than 6 I'm still be ahead, so long as it doesn't fail on a ride.

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by mechmann

not to mention all the times i dropped a chain at an inopportune moment.

So not only did it break it didn't work either? Mmmm... I hope I have different results.

[destroyer]

I went 1x9 a few weeks ago and love it. I"m running a 34t chainring and a 32-11t cassette.

I bought an E13 chainring and a Transition chainguide, been perfectly satisified too. I run a bash guard too since mine gets dinged up pretty bad, I can't imagine hitting that hard on my chainring.