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Single Chainring (e.g. SRAM XX1)

My drivetrain is all a bit worn out on my commuter bike and I had an idea of replacing the existing 9 speed (ie standard MTB triple with 11-34 cassette) with a simple single chainring, large cassette set-up like SRAM XX1.  The only thing putting me off is the cost, but are there more reasonably priced alternatives?  Could be a case of 'if it aint broke....' and just replace the current drivetrain 'like for like'.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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bikebot | 7 years ago
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What is your current groupset?

If it's a bike for just commuting, cheapest way to start is just replace the chainset (or even just the chainring) and remove the front deralleur.  Use a narrow wide, and you'll probably be able to forego a chaincatcher.  You'll can then put a cheap 11-36 on the back without any issues when that needs replacing, for a little more range. The price goes up very sharply with larger cassettes.

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ru w00dsy | 7 years ago
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Might be a useful article....

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/how-to-convert-to-a-1x-drivetr...

 

Not sure if your route is off road as well as road? Just thinking that your current set up is a triple MTB rig, so I would think you would want a rear mech with a clutch or a chain line guide if you went 1 x 11 and had bumpy/off road sections.

 

Wolf Tooth Components website might be worth a look, link to their adventure / gravel 1x set ups, has a useful chart to help with selecting gearing range...

http://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/pages/1x-gravel-setup

The technical documents and 1x drive summary is also a worthwhile read.

http://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/pages/the-mechanics-and-science-of-1x...

 

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fukawitribe replied to ru w00dsy | 7 years ago
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ru w00dsy wrote:

Wolf Tooth Components website might be worth a look, link to their adventure / gravel 1x set ups, has a useful chart to help with selecting gearing range...

http://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/pages/1x-gravel-setup

The technical documents and 1x drive summary is also a worthwhile read.

http://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/pages/the-mechanics-and-science-of-1x...

Thanks for the links, been on their site a fair few times recently but missed both of these. Nice.

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Welsh boy | 7 years ago
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£130 for new 10 speed shifters, £20 ish for a cassette (someone on eBay selling new miche 11-28 10 speed cassette and chain for £27), £20 for a cranks (spa cycles TD2 cranks, double version), £12 for 107mm axel bottom bracket (spa cycles), £4 for single space chainring bolts and around £18 for a chain ring (spa cycles again). Use single ring on outside (big ring) placement for a very good chain line and off you go. I have set 2 of my bikes up with this arrangement using a 36 tooth ring and I am about to do a third one. Obviously much cheaper if you stick with your 9 speed shifters, shop around for new cassette and chain plus new jockey wheels for your old rear mech

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VeloUSA | 7 years ago
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You are correct about cost as the XX1 groupo price is worth more than  your entire bike.  Stick with 9 speed drivetrain for cost savings.

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