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Hi Hubbers I recently took on a (fun) personal project of finding an alternative to the commercially available cover plates used to cover up the frame mounting space left when removing the high direct mount front derailleur for a 1x conversion. After searching the interwebs I cottoned onto a 3D printed plate through options and ideas from Shapeways and the MTBR forums. Shipping for the Shapeways product made it unreasonably expensive for what it is ($6 for the plastic plate, $20 for shipping), so I contacted a few 3D printing companies in Cape Town to see if someone could help me out. And success! I managed to find someone! Following a bit of trial and error with my design I ended up with a plate that I am pretty stoked with!! I have customised it for my Pyga and I think it looks pretty rad! The finish of a 3D print is not the smoothest, but it's hardly noticeable when viewed from a short distance. Best part is it cost a fraction of anything else out there, amped Thoughts on the outcome are welcome and I'm happy to try help anyone out who would be interested in doing the same for their 1x conversion. By this I mean I can either share my 3D file with you (if you can access a 3D printer) or look at getting plates printed through my own source (limited to black or white) and then take it from there. I assume the design would be a universal fit, but have only managed to test it out on the Pyga frame so far. Given that it is also a very recent addition to my bike I have no idea of durability of the part and how it will stand up to the elements (it's made from ABS plastic) but will post future updates here. Fingers crossed it will have some longevity! Overall though I think the project was a success, win!

I've got a 1x10 setup with 32T upfront, XT rear derailleur, XT shifter, and a Praxis wide range cassette (11-40). I'm thinking of upgrading my current Shimano Deore crankset to the new SLX M7000 11 speed crankset with 32T. Basically, I can't afford a complete 11 speed upgrade right now so I'm just considering the crankset for the time being. My current one has seen better days. Is this possible? Cheers

Bike: Rocky Mountain Element 30MSL (26") Current setup: Old type X9 rear derailleur (no clutch, long cage)Wide range Praxis cassette (11-40T)32T chainringX7 shifterAvid Elixir CR brakes Warning: I'm a novice who has done internet research with very little hands on experience. No need to be gentle, just want to make that clear (if my questions don't do that for themselves...). Question: I need some help choosing a rear derailleur to help eliminate chain slap. The Shimano Zee Shadow + sounds perfect for 1 x 10 but there are mixed results when using it with wide range cassettes. It's such a great option for purpose and price and I'm tempted to try it. But I've spent a lot on my Praxis wide range cassette and love the setup. If I go with anything Shimano I know I'll run into issues with matching clamps for my Avid brakes. But I first just want to see if this RD is a solid choice. I have an SLX shifter I can use to replace the X7. Another option would be to find a medium cage SRAM derailleur with clutch but I'm not sure where to get one and if it will really help sort out the chain slap (in same way that Zee seems to). Are there other options I could consider? Many thanks for any advice.

Hello all, It is Friday! So I just want to know for how much I can sell my chainring for in order to get a 30T one instead. Please see the following pictures: http://i.imgur.com/rD4rVSr.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tUV55nX.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/uaaG8Tt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/xzeNd8Y.jpg As you can see the chain itself is still in a very good condition, except for some signs of rust here and there. Also while I am on the topic of chainrings, would you guys recommend I stay with a Race Face NW or should I try another brand? I won't mind buying 2nd hand either, as long as the chainring is in a good condition. Thanks guys. ~ André

Anyone tried to use an 11 spd derailleur to improve shifting of 10 spd? I have been riding 1x10 for years and am very comfortable with a 30 ring with an 11/36 cassette. The new SRAM 11 spd derailleurs look like a hugely improved design and way stiffer. Could they improve 10 spd shifting?

Howdy Hubbers, I need to find out a bit regarding the Absa Cape Epic. I'm doing my first Absa Cape epic but wondering if my Bike ratios will be ok. I'm riding a 1 x 10, with a 32 Oval in Front and 11-40 at back? I've done the Transcape with it, with no issues, Did the 1 x 10, 11-36 last year on the did Pioneer and J2C Will it be ok?

I bought a new Specialized Epic in September 2015 and had it changed from 2x10 to 1x10. In front they put on the SRAM Chain ring 1-32T 11SPD X-SYNC, with a SRAM 1031 10SPD chain and a new cassette PraxisWorks 10SPD 11T-40T. Now, after 4 months all is broken, chain ring, chain and cassette and I had to spend another 3600 Rand to replace everything. The question is if the chain ring 11spd is compatible with the 10spd chain? I never had any issues like that after 4 months with other bikes, not even after 2 yrs.

The simplicity of a one-by chain ring setup has always appealed to me. Less cockpit clutter, no chain suck and, for the weight-weenie in me, some grams lost. When the Kitted Wonder Ring arrived for testing I decided to take the plunge and convert my own steed to 1x10. Click here to view the article

Wanting to go 1 x 10 and have picked up a Rotor Q ring and a CSixx XC chain guide to see if it's for me. I don't have a XT with a clutch and until I'm sure I want to go 1x I don't fancy buying a new XT when the one I have is perfectly fine. Can I run a 1 x without a clutch? I've got a new XT cassette with a Rapide 40T and a 33 ring (it's not a NW though). Any advice would be great. I'm actually happy with my 2x with Q-Rings set up and just wanted to give it a go to see what the fuss was about.

QUESTION Why am I breaking Chainring Bolts on climbs? INFO This the second time I have broken chainring bolts from steep climbs. The first time was 2 weeks ago when riding single speed (34-20) at the Wilde Gravel Travel. The chainring bolt that broke that time was a CSIXX. Tonight 2 bolts broke on my commute home over Kloofnek Set up now is 1x10 and the bolts in question are KCNC. The crankset is a Race Face NW 34T coupled with Shimano XT crank arms. Really frustrated at the moment. Is this going to happen every time I put some power to the pedals?

Good day Hubbers, We would just like to let you know that we are currently fighting a legal battle against the people that assisted us in manufacturing our chainrings. They have gone behind our back and started selling our chainrings with their name on it, it is the exact same design, tooth profile, engraving, anodising ect. We had no beef with them up until last week when they decided to up our manufacturing costs by more than double, we now understand why!!! ACC Billet Engineering (Pro Billet) decided to take it upon themselves to use our designs that we have paid for and worked on for the past year and go ahead and make some for themselves. We discovered this on the weekend when we walked into one of our clients shops and saw this "NEW" locally manufactured chainring on a bike. After closer inspection we could notice that this was our chainring, we spoke to the shop owner and he gave us the invoice he was presented with and we saw all the details of the company that we are using. We are not sure how many stores they have approached and sold "their" chainrings to but if you do get approached by "ANGIE" please do not buy anything from her/them. We have put time and money into our business and the fact that they do not have any business ethics and take other company property for them selves means we will not take this sitting down. Please guys if you know of anyone else who has one of these chainrings, please let us know ASAP> I have attached some photos of the chainring we found and one of ours so you can see the resemblance. Thanks The KITTED Team

So a short while ago I got the great and awesome opportunity to upgrade my old Trek... to something NEW!! And so the research began, alongside the hunt for components. Having the major decision making done of what style I wanted, I started staring down the vast amount of choices available. And then, out of a dark corner of the internet, I noticed the new kid on the block. The Shimano Zee was originally designed for 1 by 10 downhill riders, and being a MTB rider this didn't intrigue me in the slightest. Weight is obviously a factor when choosing MTB products, and downhillers have strength over weight in their list of priorities. The top of mine was durability. So I decided to give it a go. My choices out of this range of products where: Zee crankset, with a 36t chainring, Zee wide ratio derailleur, and a Saint 10 speed shifter. When it arrived the first thing I noticed, beside my ecstatic excitement, was that it was really pretty!! I mean it, like, looked cool.. and whatever. Just look at it! (yes, picture was from internet) The crankset features a really nice somewhat sparkly paint job, and some nice curves. I prepared myself to lift what I thought would be a lump of solid lead out of its box, but its weight really surprised me! weighing in at 815 grams including the chainring I was pleasantly surprised! A XT crankset weighs in at about 810 grams. The difference is literally how strong your coffee was this morning. The position of the chainring when fitted properly I saw, caused a lot less cross chain across my 11-36t XT cassette than for example, my dad's SLX 3 speed converted to 1 by 10 crankset. The entire crankset cost a mere R1300 Where as a SLX crankset can hit your wallet a wopping R1700! So very chuffed with myself and my brilliant purchase I moved on to my next Item, The derailleur. There was two options, the close ratio sliding through with a maximum cog size of 28t and the wide ratio bragging a bigger 36t compatibility. Also another pretty piece of gear! this mech is very neat and tidy, with a very nice paint job and a short cage, it's definitely a looker! And... it weights even LESS than a XT SGS shadow derailleur, and this mech boasts a clutch. Having saved so much on my missing left shifter and front derailleur, not to mention cables time and effort of fitting these annoying things, I decided to treat myself to a slightly better shifter, the Zee's big brother Saint. The Saint is just the more expensive and supposedly better version of the Zee. The Saint has a very nice 10 speed shifter for a mere R700... actually its not a mere 700... nothing is cheap. anyhow, the shifter performs wonderfully and very smoothly. After quite a while of riding, and falling, there is no play in the levers and still performs like new. After the pure joy of opening my packages and fitting it all to my bike, I took it out for a few test drives. And man, I loved it! The crankset is built like a tank! I mean, its nuke proof (brand pun)! The position of the chainring is at optimal position for minimizing cross chain. The 36t is slightly large, but I'm upgrading soon to a oval NW chainring... VEERRYY excited. The shifter is crisp and smooth and never faults, but then again, its a shifter. Most shifters... Shift. But this one does it quite well! Feels very nice. Now the rear mech. This whole clutch and very short cage story had me confused at the beginning, but I think I got this. The very short cage in combination with the activation of the clutch minimizes to virtually neutralizes chain slap. Absolutely no filthy chain marks were ever left on my beautiful frames chain stays. The clutch gives a slight resistance when shifting up, but this is not a problem and it is barely noticeable when riding. The 36t capacity of the mech hasn't been a problem for me, but I have heard of people using a 40t sprocket with this mech. Also fitted my dad's sram XO short cage or GS version with a 40t sproket, So it is possible! In my opinion, the Zee is an absolutely wonderful component, in almost every way. With very few drawbacks and adding a smooth working drivetrain to upgrade your ride, I really don't have anything bad to say about the Zee. I absolutely love my components, and I'm not thinking of changing them anytime soon! And with this build quality, I won't have to. Happy MTB'ing and any other form of cycling, even to my unicycling friends out there, and don't be afraid to give the Zee and 1x10 or 1x11 a go!

Just wondering what the thoughts are on doing next years Sani2c on a 1x10? Currently riding 32T/11-42 and not really using the 42, I am in JHB though, and I have enough in the 32T not to spin out too early except for a few downhills. Not looking for a podium place!!

My son of 9 loves riding and has progressed from tiny makro raleigh through to a 20" silverback which all did what they bought to do. When it came time to replace his current bike I was looking at all the options and nothing I could find really ticked the boxes for me. The bikes were either small adult bikes, very heavy kids bikes - why should we make a little kid ride bikes of 14kg + or if you could find something that was pretty decent it cost a small fortune. So I decided to do a special build for him. 1st problem, finding an XS 26er frame, it just wasnt possible so in the end I found a really nice looking Titan Hades 26 9R kids specific bike, I didnt want any of the components but the frame looked great. Geometry just like a mini 29er. Bought the bike sold all the components on the hub except for the seatpost and seat. OK now I had a starting point. Wheels had to be tubeless, nothing worse as a kid having puncture after puncture (another reason why 24" wasnt an option). Found some ZTR Alpine rims for a bargain and built them onto some decent Tank Comp hubs I had in the cupboard. Fitted a Kenda small block 8 on the back and a Schwalbe Nobby Nik on the front - tubeless. Found some bargains on the Hub with regards to bar, cassette and chain. Bought a Deore 10spd clutch derailler. Then the decision 2 x 10 or 1 x10.........I finally decided on 1 x 10 for simplicity sake and with a range of 11-36 x 32 that would be perfect for pretty much anything he would tackle on a 26" bike. 2nd Problem, finding a crank. Why dont manufacturers make decent short cranks for kids . Very frustrating. 170mm or 175mm just dont work for kids and this can cause knee problems (no taking chances there) and makes pedalling very inefeiceint through the top of the pedal stroke. So I bought a Deore crank (not a hollow crank so easy to work with), sent it to fellow hubber Ampandy (genius) for some surgery. We cut out 2.5cm of the crank arm to reduce the crank to 150mm. His work is fantastic and after been flatted off with some waterpaper, sandblasted and powder coated it looks great and fitted with a green Kitted 32t wonder ring it should perfom just great. Final bike weight incl pedals and cage - 10.4kg Well here is the end product. Cost me a shade over R6000 (I had hubs, tyres, brakes and stem). I am happy knowing my son has a decent bike, and he is happy because his bike is uber cool.

I've been toying with the idea of going 1x10 on my 29er FS, so have now sat down and tried to figure our how/what can be done, I would like to make as few changes as possible to the bike.. My current set up is below, what I was thinking was removing the 13T from the cassette and adding one of these, http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/products/giant-cog-for-shimano or something similar. Then removing the smallest and biggest chainring (24T & 42T) and the front derailleur etc.. Will the standard chainring work? From what I have read while searching, my long cage rear derailleur wont need to be changed, but would I need to do anything to the length of the chain? Or anything else that I have not thought of? Rear Derailleur: SHIMANO XT LONG CAGE 10-SPEED Crankset: SHIMANO M552 42-32-24T BB: SHIMANO Cassette: SHIMANO SLX 11,13,15,17,19,21,24,28,32,36T Chain: SHIMANO HG74 10 SPEED Thanks..

KITTED - WonderRing NW Chainrings “One RING to ride them all.” We have gone and done it, Narrow Wide Chainrings designed & manufactured In SOUTH AFRICA. We have done extensive research on our products as well as plenty testing to make sure that we are making International quality chainrings to go up against the names that we all know and use. The range is endless and we can design and produce all chainrings for all BCD’s/ Direct mount cranks. High Quality 7075-T6 Aluminium with Full colour hard anodizing. We currently have 104BCD 32t, 34t & 36t with the 76BCD XX1 & 102BCD range on its way. Product Weight as follows: 32t 104BCD - 33grm 34t 104BCD - 43grm 36t 104BCD - 53grm Our next project on the cards will be the 40/42t rear sprocket additions with the 16t insert. We have these in the development stages with out Technical and Metal work departments, Before we launch these we would like to do some testing to make sure you have a perfect working cassette. As soon as we have finalized testing and production schedules we will launch and let you know prices. Place orders via our online store @ www.kitted.co.za or via email info@kitted.co.za Products Available: · 104BCD, 32t – R450 · 104BCD, 34t – R450 · 104BCD, 36t – R475 Products on Order: · 102BCD, 32t – R500 · 102BCD, 34t – R500 All products include free shipping South Africa *We do custom anodizing if colours are available from our supplier (additional cost do apply). Keep an eye on our FACEBOOK page for more Photos and Updates. Thanks The KITTED Team

After about 3 years hitting the SS down the rail I decided time to get some gears again. Did this quick comparison last nigh and thought i'd share, for anyone looking for cost estimation at the moment, this was my estimation between the 3 shops I usually use. EDIT: just took the cheapest options and jotted them down. I ended up with around R2200, which included a more expensive Zee derailleur (wide range), extra cable housing, better cassette&chain and insured postage

OK I sick of my front derailer. I seriously want a xx 1x11 but cannot afford it, converting to a 1x10 could have hidden problems. This part for R2200 from Chris Willimse may hold the answers, One problem it says it replaced the 4 bigger sprockets, should it not be 3 Biggest Sprockets. Anyone with experience, advise. http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/leo-general-lee-42t?quicktabs_1=1#quicktabs-1

Hi Hubbers Just unpacked our first shipment of WOLF 42T cogs for SRAM Cassettes! Remove the 17 and run a 11/42 on a 1x10... STOCK ARE LTD!! See here: http://www.evobikes.co.za/wolftooth-42t-cog-black.html