converting to 1x9

njmark

njmark

Professional Cyclist
I want to convert my XTC to 1x9. Would like to know from you folks who know what the best way to go is. Do I use a chain guide or the race face narrow wide and upgrade to an xt rear derailleur? Is 10 speed worth it? I feel comfy with the 9 speed but maybe 10 would be better?
 
njmark said:
I want to convert my XTC to 1x9. Would like to know from you folks who know what the best way to go is. Do I use a chain guide or the race face narrow wide and upgrade to an xt rear derailleur? Is 10 speed worth it? I feel comfy with the 9 speed but maybe 10 would be better?
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Just take the front derailleur and shifter off. You can also remove whatever front rings you wont be using and adjust your chain length depending which ring you are keeping. 😉
 
njmark said:
I was planning on just keeping the middle ring since I don't use the other 2 at all.
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You can probably get an SS ring for the front without shift ramps and all. It will be stronger and last longer. Maybe someone will chime in on the specifics, since I've never done it. I only took my big ring off and replaced it with a bash guard so my derailleur remained. I <3 granny 😀
 
use middle chainring 32t/34t and you'll need long cage derailleur, an XT shadow would be nice or Xtr...and chainguide a very essentiall for this kind set up.think like downhilling set up,..no chainsuck to worry about.

this is what i run 1x9x34t
 
Thanks guys, I'll be doing this in a few weeks, well to be honest, someone at Halters will be doing the conversion.
 
liong71er said:
use middle chainring 32t/34t and you'll need long cage derailleur, an XT shadow would be nice or Xtr...and chainguide a very essentiall for this kind set up.think like downhilling set up,..no chainsuck to worry about.

this is what i run 1x9x34t
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I'm running same setup but have been successful with a Short cage x9. I'm looking to go 1x10 very soon though. Being able to use a new 30t front narrow wide chainring with a 11-36 rear cassette for rides with steeper climbs has me sold on it. 32-34 on some climbs can hurt, especially in a race. I'm going to run a mid cage SRAM x9 type 2 with either a 30 or 32t front Race Face narrow wide chainring with no chainguide.
 
Ran my misfit 1x9 (long cage) and now the paradox (mid cage) with an unramped Blackspire front ring and no guide, but I run a bash as an outer keeper. Dropped a chain once. The new race face ring should work even better!
 
Don't forget chainline is very important. My 1X9 Voodoo never dropped a chain (and never needed a chainguide) until I switched to an outboard bearing BB/crank. That set up (even with spacers moved to non-drive side) pushed the chain line too far outboard, and consequently required a inner chain ring guide (made myself from spare parts) to guard against inboard chain drops.

In the end, I went back to the original BB/crank and it's all better now.
 
I did this conversion on my cannondale... on the cheap by reusing the stock middle ring. The stock 3 ring is ramped so it would sling with the chain over rough terrain.
I eventually put a "clutch" derailluer and a proper 1x chain ring and guess what??? No sling. I also went to 1x10 when I did the sprocket switch.
 
I converted an old Jetta Trek by just removing the front derailleur, granny and big ring. Got lucky with the chain alignment and didn't need any guides. I actually ran this setup SS first, then put the back gears back on. Just start pulling stuff off and cross your fingers 🙂
 
I'm not so good with the taking apart and putting back together. It usually ends up with me getting pissed and throwing things since I'm not terribly good mechanically. I like the idea of the narrow wide and an XT rear derailleur and 11-36 cassette.
 
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