1 x10 drivetrain conversion

[torres del paine]

I want to convert my bike from a rather old, vague and rather sloppy LX/XT 2 x 9 setup to a brand new 1 x 10 setup for better shifting and simplicity, so I'm thinking of buying the following:

Shimano Saint shifter, Shimano Zee short cage rear mech, 11-36T XT cassette, KMC chain.

I'm just unsure about what to do about my crankset and chainrings. I have a Deore LX triple which I have converted to 36T and 22T. Would it be okay to simply put a dedicated single chainring where the middle chainring would go, or would it better to get a dedicated single crankset for a better chainline?

Thanks in advance

[rhinochopig]

It'll be fine. Just remember the rings are different width between 9 and 10 speed. The other thing you'll need is a chain retention device (superstars components sell the best value - go for the bigger of the two as they're stronger).

If you opt for dedicated 1X set-up they use a thick - thing tooth arrangement which vastly improves chain retention and removes the need for the CRD.

I've run a 1X9 with a CRD for years without problem so would be tempted to keep your existing bits.

[torres del paine]

Thanks Rhino. Also, I understand that a spacer is required on a 9 speed hub and that this comes with the cassette?

[AlmostUseful]

You won't need a spacer with the 10spd cassette, overall it's the same width as a 9 spd cassette just with an additional sprocket.

I'm just doing the same thing, and have bought a thick-thin chain ring and a clutch mech so I don't have to run a front chain device - I'm hoping the hype is for real!

[richardxjr]

Yep, buy a narrow wide chainring too. 32T is most popular, £35 delivered from Works components.

And make sure the Zee mech is a FR wide ratio one [for 11-36], not the DH one.

[P-Jay]

I did the same a few months ago, I run a Raceface thick-thin ring and it's very good.

But you will need a clutch equipped mech to keep the chain on and be careful with the chain length.

I went for a 30t ring, party because it gave me the equivalent of being in 3rd on the granny as my 1st which is okay for the steepest stuff I ride and partly because I liked the way they made it - 30t should really be too small for the crank.

On the whole I'm pretty happy, but after a few weeks of it I've gotten use to the climbing pretty quickly and no longer miss the granny ring, but I have to admit I'm under geared on the flats now, it's bad enough on trail centre stuff where you can't really pedal on the fast bits, but it's hellish on cycle paths etc.

Given a clean sheet I'd probably go for something like a 36t ring and one of those massive things you can build into your cassette, essentially giving you decent mid-range gearing and one 'under drive' gear for nasty climbs, but it's an expensive option.

[stuarthat]

if you wait this summer shimano releasing 1x11, apparently 1x12 is coming what next .

[Wooderson]

You don't necessarily need a clutch mech if you're running a narrow/wide chainring. I've just converted to a 1x9 setup, with a Raceface 32T ring and standard XT/SLX 11/34 gearing. Despite my best efforts I can't get the chain to come off and I'm talking downhill trails on an AM spec Ragley Piglet.

Agree that chain length is important, but that sorted, I'm very impressed with the setup.

[Wooderson]

[Ian_sUK]

Im running 1x10 with a 42T first gear on the cassette from:

One up components

Using a clutched rear mech and a thick/thin chainring, never had a chain drop.

[torres del paine]

Thanks, all noted. Still thinking of buying the Zee crankset - it's heavy but looks natty and should work seamlessly with the rest of the drivetrain. I will definitely opt for a 36t chainring, i find anything smaller too short-legged. The Saint shifters are supposed to be the best shifters Shimano have ever made according to some reviews - more Sram like, i.e positive and crisp, which I like. I find that some Shimano shifters are smooth but too vague for my liking. Overall though, the Zee stuff is good value compared to equivalent components.

[AlmostUseful]

Have you considered second hand cranks? I just picked up some M970 XTR's with triple rings for £60, a bargain including the bottom bracket. Nice and light and they look the bks, much prefer them to a heavier set costing more.