drivetrain choices for my commuter MTB?

[Adrian E]

Been using a succession of old MTBs for a short commute to the station over quite a few years. Current one is an approx 2006 Giant XTC hardtail. It's fitted with a 3x9 drivetrain (mix of XT, LX and FSA) and now at the point it needs a fairly significant drivetrain refresh (chainrings, bottom bracket, chain at a minimum - have a newer 9 speed cassette I could fit - but the rear mech is a bit sloppy from age)

I slightly regret not going 2x10 on my proper offroad hardtail, although the full XT/XTR 3x9 is so smooth I'm not overly upset about it! I ended up replacing the previous drivetrain over a couple of months, and if I'd set out to do it all I would've done 2x10.

I'm now debating 1x11 for the commuter hack - less to go wrong, less weight, I don't use anything bar the middle and outer chainrings anyway (commute is uphill going and downhill back) but I've never paid much attention to gearing on bikes so not sure what options are out there? I'm not wedded to Shimano if other options are 'better' for 1x11. I'm on 26" wheels and V brakes.....

Suggestions very welcome - need to sort it fairly quickly!

Adrian

[uncinqsix]

I have 1x9 on my commuter, and that works fine for me. 1x11 (or even 1x10) would be more than adequate for anything you'll do on a commute. Something like a 34 or 36t chainring on the front, and 11-34 cassette on the back.

[Adrian E]

Hiya

I've got an 11-34 cassette now, which is in serviceable condition. I popped into Evans earlier and I've ruled out a 10 or 11 speed conversion at the back, as I'd need to build up a new rear wheel with a different hub and I really can't be arsed going that far.

I've done some gearing calcs based around the chainrings I use most now and 36t or maybe a 38t would cover my use.

They didn't have any single chainring setups bigger than a 34t so I'm looking elsewhere and resigning myself to walking to the station for a few days! Most of what they had is only compatible with 10 or 11 speed cassettes too, so need to browse CRC and see what they've got..

Cheers

Adrian

[uncinqsix]

A "10 speed" chainring will work with a 9 speed drive train. I bought a generic narrow/wide one, and removed the front derailleur and shifter.

[bugeyewrx]

I think a normal Shimano freehub should take 8,9,10 & 11 speed cassettes....SRAM use a different feehub for 11 speed. Chainrings will all work with single speed. It's just the outside width of the chain that changes not in the internal dimensions. So you can use your existing crank with either an existing chain ring or a new one of what ever type you want. Only issue is if it's a triple crank set is it's better to use the middle chain ring position to get a better chain line.

Should add that if you use normal 'shifting' chain rings then you need to use a chain device or you continually drop the chain.

Edited by bugeyewrx on Monday 2nd January 21:14

[Craikeybaby]

I went 3x9 to 1x10 without building a new wheel. I find 1x10 (32x11-36) to be fine locally, but hard work at trailcentres.

[FD3Si]

You can use your existing freehub with 10 and 11 speed. It's only road ones that are different.
I'd go 1x10, so much cheaper than 11 speed. If you haven't quite got the range you want then an expander kit will sort that.

If you do want the flexibility of 11 speed then a Sunrace cassette is a good budget option.

I ditched my front mech in 1999. Haven't looked back.

[Adrian E]

Thanks all - spoke to CRC this morning after doing some reading last night and realising the freebub is only an issue with road cassettes. Ordered a 1x11 full drivetrain set in the end as anything revolving around new BB and crankset was going to be at least half the price for a quarter of the new bits and CRC give you more choices on chainring choice

New tyres and bb tool as well so an entry in the 'what bits' thread required when it turns up!