Converting to a 1x9

If I want to convert by bike to a 1x9 do i need to purchase any special cranks or crank pieces to have it work properly?

 

Shorter chainring bolts (BMX/Singlespeed) are pretty much all you will *NEED* in order to make the switch!

 

thats what i was thinking i would need. Just take off the other 2 and just screw it with shorter screws and I am set right?

 

Don't forget to remove the front derailluer and shifter.

 

You'll probably need something to keep the chain from slipping off your chainring as well. A chainguide or bashguard/n-gear jump stop combo would work.

 

you will mos def need a chain guide of jump stop. I converted mine and the chain drops 1-2x ride. run a bashguard and jump stop and it keeps it in place and or jumps back on after a few spins of cranks

 

Blackspire Stinger- $22
Works like a charm!

 

This is the tensioner? Then slap on a guard and its good to go? Who makes a good bash guard?

 

this is how that blackspire works



see how the arm and roller on the end keep the chain straight


I use this one, the rohloff chain guide, but a little pricier than others but i can't figure out why.


ironically, if you google that, then click images, that's the first one that comes up, from Allison/Mechmann

and you will need shorter chainring bolts if you ditch the biggest/smallest rings on your current crankset, but that gives you reason to get new color bolts!

 

Bashguards- http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/1278-Bashguards.aspx

I wouldn't spend "too much" time over-analyzing your bash guard options...
* Price
* Color
* Correct size
* Aluminum vs. Thermoplastic

 

So you use just the chain guide rather then then tensioner/bash guard combo?

 

The Chain guide is your cheaper option versus a bash guard.

Edit: At least the one Dino posted is the cheaper one. Works fine!

 

Buy E13, never look back!!! As far as swapping/modifying your cranks, it will depend on what guide system you get, some systems will not work with cranks that have granny tabs on them, you will need to remove those, Dont grind them by the way, Its much fast, easier, cleaner to use a drill instead, Just get a drill thats the same diameter of the tabs and drill them flat.



LG1 is nice, SrS is great DRS is the best system I have ever used with a twp ring system, the roller is staged so you have the same added tension in either chain ring, easy to install. My E13 has been on three of my bikes now, and after five years I am finally replacing the roller. Couldnt be happier with this product.

 

how does the blackspire work on a 1x9? Is this a tensioner for a FS ride? I just bought some stylo cranks with two chainrings, a bashguard and the blackspire. I was hoping to use these on a 1x9. Did I miss something?

 

word from experience:

1- spend time converting to 1x9 and fidgeting with jump stops/chain guides etc.
2- end up shifting a lot less due to item 1.
3- say $#*%& it and go full single speed after you realize that you've done the past 3 rides in the same gear.

(sorry- someone had to say it- I'll go Luddite and do so :wave

 

Hehe...yeah...going 1x9 is two-thirds of the way to a single speed - not too many gear options, but you still have to deal with rear der. issues when they pop up.

 

I've been 1 x 9 for about 10 rides now and my chain has dropped only when downshifting multiple gears quickly, like after descending in high gear then coming upon an immediate ascent, if I shift 3-4 gears at a time, my chain will drop towards the inside. I'm still experimenting but I think I can get by without a guide or guard. The point is, I would recommend converting your crank first, then going for some test rides and considering a guide or guard only if you experience chain drop issues. Also, make usre you use an unramped ring -- I use a RaceFace DH middle ring on my XT cranks. Good luck.

 

ain't that the truth- I was once told by a master mechanic (15 years plus experience) that setting up a rear dérailleur is science and setting up a front dérailleur is nothing but voodoo.

 

I think im going to try it with a DH ring and a chain guide. From the sounds of it, it should do ok.

 

What is the appeal of 1x9 if you have to add a chainguide and/or tensioner? Its not like you're saving any weight... Why not just set the front deraileur adjustment screws so that you cannot shift out of the middle ring position so you have an "effective 1x9" but can easily convert back to a 3x9 if desired... (or you could just not shift the front deraileur). Not trying to knock the idea, just trying to understand why one would go thru the trouble of setting up a chainguide on an xc bike.... when the front der. serves essentially the same purpose.

drc