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Upgraded 3x10 -> 1x10
After seeing the SRAM 1x11 setup, it really got me thinking... do i really need my 3x10 anymore?
As a 'zero' cost option, i decided to see if i could convert my XT 780 drivetrain to 1x10.
Step 1 was looking at gearing charts. The setup I chose (32x 11-36) would take away a lot of taller gearing i never used, but also some shorter gearing which i did use... but only because it was there.
Step 2: The conversion.
Im not going to provide a step-by-step guide as its fairly simple. The only parts you (and when i say you, i mean me) will need are:
-Single chainring bolts
-Shimano 10 speed chain pin
-Chain breaker
-Hollowtech crank tool (or the creative use of 2 allen keys)
Pretty easy once its done. And the results...
http://all.global-riders.net/files/imagefield_th...
http://all.global-riders.net/files/imagefield_th...
Now obviously the chain looks a bit funky, even though it gets worse than this when you use the smaller ring, Im in the process of choosing a chain guide, and possibly looking at a shorter cage rear derailleur (maybe the new Saint M820)
Step 3: Testing.
A ride around the block confirmed i hadn't put anything on backwards, and it didn't fall apart. I'll do a trail test tomorrow.
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You will get alot of people suggesting that you get a chain guide and a single ring specific chainring that has longer teeth like this:
But give it a go, you may get lucky. Just don't hurt yourself...
I've been running 1x9 (11-32 cassette with 32 chain ring) and 1x10 (11-36 cassette and 32 ring) for a while now on my bikes, Works really well, but I wouldn't do it without a chain device of some type.
I do know people who have gotten away without one, and swear that they don't need one, but I found without it, I dropped chains enough to warrant getting one.
I use an MRP1.X device, but there are a heap out there that aren't overly expensive. the simpler the better.
You can get chain guides with remote adjusters on them. In fact you can put a second chain ring on and move from one to the other whilst moving, giving a wider spread of gears. Means you don't have to carry the excessive weight of 10 or 11 gears on the rear hub, you can cut back to 8 or 9, a massive weight saving. Shorter chain and derailleur (less weight) and less sideways chain flex!
Thanks guys.
I'll definitely be getting a chain guide. Probably... http://www.bikebling.com/v/vspfiles/photos/MRP-S...
Also get a single specific ring when the current one dies.
I would assume that since it operates fine normally... I wouldn't actually need one at all. But that does assume the FD and large chainring don't do anything to keep the chain in place?
Im not that concerned about weight. Im still yet to prove I can ride everything on a 1x10, so a 1x8-9 would be even worse.
A 1x10 would be much better and lighter than a 2x8, especially since it does away with a shift lever, a FD, and 2 rings.
Ive got a E13 chain guide minus bash guard that might come in useful?
Cheers
Steve
I'm running a hope chain ring with bash guard no chain guide at the moment have use a widget all good products.I went over to 1x9 then 1x10 years ago cant see myself going back to triple or double ring ever again.
http://www.hopetech.com/page.aspx?itemID=SPG346
http://www.widgit.com.au/
Correct me if im wrong but the trance has a press fit bottom bracket making the fitting of a chain guide a pain in teh arse.
I have a PF30 BB, and through the use of a $30 adapter from FSA I run standard external BB's, my XTR cranks and a BB mount guide.
There are a few options around if you want to run an adapter.
www.widgit.com.au/
I used one...bloody good! choose the right gearing first time though - I went 28t and wished I'd gone higher. Now running 2x10 (for now)....
Not really 100% on bike gear, but the BB is threaded... sooo thats not press fit, right? You need a special socket or spanner to undo the external cups.
From what understand the chain guide will simply clamp between the frame and BB... theoretically.
Was even looking at a saint m810 BB, as it should fit but is advertised as having a longer thread to better accommodate BB chain guides.
Had a look at the widget. It does look good, but I'm needing more of a chain tensioner than anything else.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-a...
That photo (running 3x10) was taken just east of Asher Rd on the KC, heading west. You probably don't know what im taking about, its not a jump, just a little bump really. Got maybe 1m height, and even with that, the chain is nearly touching the ground. IMO, the culprit is the extra long RD cage (needed to accommodate the massive 3x10 range). Installing a short cage RD, and a chain guide will solve that.
So much for being a 'zero cost option' hahaha.
I'm really keen to invest in a 30t widget when my current drivetrain needs replacing. I only use the large chain ring when riding on the road.
Does everyone recommend a short cage rear derailleur in this case? If I'm going to invest in a new...
chain
cassette
widget
rear derailleur...
I may as well get a new shifter & upgrade to 10 speed. Or keep the long derailleur & 9 speed?
Ive been running a 34 T Widget for a couple of years now on my Reign and havent had a single problem, the best thing i ever did.
Two rides down and the results are in.
Gearing range was perfect. As the charts suggested, I didn't need everything on the long end, and the short end was just short enough.
As for the chain, it seems the FD and large chainring do something to keep the chain on, because without them the chain did come off a fair few times, usually on the smaller cogs on the rough stuff.
Already got a chain tensioner on the way, those widgets look good, may need one too.
You can use an old front mech as a chain guide. Just use the limit screws to lock it into place.