Is going 1x10 really worth it?!?

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I'm loving 1x10. Have had it for 6 months. Did K2C, Origin of Trails and W2W on it.

 

32T up front

11-36T cassette with 40T

XT clutch derailleur with med cage

XTR shifter

 

All works perfectly. I do go through a chain a month or every 900km though. Cassette lasts between 2000-3000km

 

I do average MTB rides of 50km/1500m - Western Cape has no flats

1x10 will make you stronger. Only recommend for fitter riders.

 

Top speed: 42kph before spinning out

 

A chain a month???? Do you clean and lube it?

That sounds crazy. I have about 2500km on my current chain, cassette setup and it's still within spec.

[Aaron_B]

A chain a month???? Do you clean and lube it?

That sounds crazy. I have about 2500km on my current chain, cassette setup and it's still within spec.

Clean and lube after every ride. Lots of climbing out here so also lots of stress on the chain. Most of the guys in CT running 1x10 are doing about 1000km per chain.

[droenn]

I recently changed over to 1x10.

 

Haven't found anything I couldn't ride with 2x10. Admittedly, I'm maybe a bit slower - but its definitely making me stronger too.

 

Its only sucky when on the tarmac riding up to the trails, 2x10 is perfect for when you need to account for that.

 

I've got 34t up front and 11-36t (I think) at the rear. Was thinking of putting in the 42t ring for the couple of times granny gear would have been nice, but then again... HTFU?

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Clean and lube after every ride. Lots of climbing out here so also lots of stress on the chain. Most of the guys in CT running 1x10 are doing about 1000km per chain.

 

Yeah suppose the elevation would kill it.

Note to self, need to do more hills.........

[Headshot]

I run a bike with a top/bottom chain guide - fitted it after persistent chain loss even with a clutch. Found the clutch was faulty and fitted a new part ( SLX) but kept the guide on anyway.

 

Just fitted a new cassette XT derailleur and chain along with an ordinary Shimano 32 middle ring instead of a narrow wide. About half the price of a NW ring and works perfectly with the guide. The guide will pay for itself in a year or two.

 

Just an idea for those with frames that have ISCG mounts for a guide. 

[JXV]

Been reading all these post and probably going to sound stupid now...

 

But I'm currently on a 3x10 XT on my Silverback Sprada 1 and I'm considering going for a 2x10 XT....

Now, I need advice from the more experienced riders please? What are my best options?

38/24 or something else.

 

I'm not quite there yet to go for the 1x10 setup... (But working my way there)

I currently ride 2x10 XT on a 29er with 38/26 front and 11-36 rear. I'm more of a pedal masher than spinner. Take this into account when deciding.

 

I mostly ride in the 38 but at the end of a long hard ride I use the small ring more often on steep hills and sometimes still find the 26 ring a little too long so yes go 38/24 if you go 2x10....but I see no real benefit for the expense.....

 

Your lowest gear in a 2x10 with 38/24 is about the same as 2nd gear in a 3x10 with 22 small front ring.

 

In a 1x10 setup with 32 front and 42 rear, your lowest gear is equivalent to about 3rd in your 3x10 setup.

 

So try a few rides without using 1st and 2nd granny...if that goes OK then switch direct to 1x10

[Aaron_B]

I fitted a cSixx chain guide because I would occasionally drop a chain. Works well, and yet to drop a chain since fitment.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I run a bike with a top/bottom chain guide - fitted it after persistent chain loss even with a clutch. Found the clutch was faulty and fitted a new part ( SLX) but kept the guide on anyway.

 

Just fitted a new cassette XT derailleur and chain along with an ordinary Shimano 32 middle ring instead of a narrow wide. About half the price of a NW ring and works perfectly with the guide. The guide will pay for itself in a year or two.

 

Just an idea for those with frames that have ISCG mounts for a guide. 

Amen brother, I made a guide using an old FD. Best thing ever, no need for a NW ring which still drops chains occasionally anyway. I have heard it catch the chain plenty so I will keep it on even if I do get a NW or clutch derailleur.

[CdT85]

I run a bike with a top/bottom chain guide - fitted it after persistent chain loss even with a clutch. Found the clutch was faulty and fitted a new part ( SLX) but kept the guide on anyway.

 

Just fitted a new cassette XT derailleur and chain along with an ordinary Shimano 32 middle ring instead of a narrow wide. About half the price of a NW ring and works perfectly with the guide. The guide will pay for itself in a year or two.

 

Just an idea for those with frames that have ISCG mounts for a guide. 

 

I  run a non clutch XT Deraileur, Deore 11-36 cassette, normal +2 links chain setup with a Dartmoor Trail 32T NW chainring, and have not experience a single chain drop yet. Bought a csixx chainguide for incase, but never used it up until now.

 

Depending on what chainguide you buy, I would rather suggest a NW chainring. They go for about R690 at Dialedbikes and R400 by kitted i think, vs the price/bulk and drag a chainguide brings to the table.

 

just my 2c...

[Suidwes Boytjie]

You guys make it hard to decide...

 

Ok, question. Like i said before I'm on a 3x10 XT setup (clutch rear derailleur)  at the moment except my front derailleur which is SLX.

If i want to change to a 1x10 setup...

 

What would be the benefits of it?

Can my current Crankset arm still be used? What size chainring infront?

Do i need to change the cassette?

And if i still use my granny gear on some steep hills should i stick to the 3x10 setup for now?

 

OK, i know this is a lot of questions, but i really would like to become a stronger and better rider.

 

Thanx

Christiaan

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I  run a non clutch XT Deraileur, Deore 11-36 cassette, normal +2 links chain setup with a Dartmoor Trail 32T NW chainring, and have not experience a single chain drop yet. Bought a csixx chainguide for incase, but never used it up until now.

 

Depending on what chainguide you buy, I would rather suggest a NW chainring. They go for about R690 at Dialedbikes and R400 by kitted i think, vs the price/bulk and drag a chainguide brings to the table.

 

just my 2c...

Tried the Raceface N/W and currently have the XX1 chainring on my bike. Chain is the shortest it can be, and I'm running an X9 type 2 RD (yes, clutch is working) and a Deore cassette. 

 

Dropping every single ride. 

 

I'm making a chain guide this weekend. Sick of it. I'd rather run a normal chainring and guide than a narrow wide alone. It's cheaper and more efficient. Especially if you have a good guide. 

[Fisan]

You guys make it hard to decide...

 

Ok, question. Like i said before I'm on a 3x10 XT setup (clutch rear derailleur)  at the moment except my front derailleur which is SLX.

If i want to change to a 1x10 setup...

 

What would be the benefits of it?

Can my current Crankset arm still be used? What size chainring infront?

Do i need to change the cassette?

And if i still use my granny gear on some steep hills should i stick to the 3x10 setup for now?

 

OK, i know this is a lot of questions, but i really would like to become a stronger and better rider.

 

Thanx

Christiaan

 

I had the same setup when I decided to go down the narrow wide path.

 

1. The benefits? Excelent for that Serious-looking-racesnake-posing. Forces you to climb harder, stronger (more KOMs) and become fit. Saves a a bit of weight. Less maintenance and parts to clean. Did I mention that it looks great?

 

2. You have the ideal (3x) crankset for a conversion.

 

3. What cassette are you running in terms of cog sizes? (eg. 11-32 / 11-34 / 11-36t ?) Ideally, you want the bigger range (the 11-36t) to give you a wider span of gear ratio's.

 

4. Before you remove everything, take your bike on a spin using only the middle front ring - as if you are running a 1x10 setup. That will give you a good idea what it feels like.

 

Going 1x10 is not the only way of becoming a stronger / faster rider, but it is a fun way. 1x10 is definitely not for everyone, but for me, it was the best thing I did for my bike and I.

 

HAIL 1x10  

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Tried the Raceface N/W and currently have the XX1 chainring on my bike. Chain is the shortest it can be, and I'm running an X9 type 2 RD (yes, clutch is working) and a Deore cassette. 

 

Dropping every single ride. 

 

I'm making a chain guide this weekend. Sick of it. I'd rather run a normal chainring and guide than a narrow wide alone. It's cheaper and more efficient. Especially if you have a good guide. 

 

Same boat I was in. I made my own chain guide.

My problem was I bought the Lee Daisy 1x10 ring which relies on longer teeth. That chain was jumpier than a covered runner in Ethiopia!!!

[cadenceblur]

I had the same setup when I decided to go down the narrow wide path. 1. The benefits? Excelent for that Serious-looking-racesnake-posing. Forces you to climb harder, stronger (more KOMs) and become fit. Saves a a bit of weight. Less maintenance and parts to clean. Did I mention that it looks great? 2. You have the ideal (3x) crankset for a conversion. 3. What cassette are you running in terms of cog sizes? (eg. 11-32 / 11-34 / 11-36t ?) Ideally, you want the bigger range (the 11-36t) to give you a wider span of gear ratio's. 4. Before you remove everything, take your bike on a spin using only the middle front ring - as if you are running a 1x10 setup. That will give you a good idea what it feels like. Going 1x10 is not the only way of becoming a stronger / faster rider, but it is a fun way. 1x10 is definitely not for everyone, but for me, it was the best thing I did for my bike and I. HAIL 1x10  

if you have doubts about riding steep stuff, get a 40 or 42 tooth sprocket as a bail out and get yourself a 16 as well. Check out the one up component site for all you'll need. Lots of local options that aren't as expensive Rapide, Kitted etc.

[J∆kk∆ls]

I'm running 34t with an 11-36 cassette on a Cotic Bfe. 

I was thinking of getting a 32t but I'm getting stronger so I will ride it out. 

[JXV]

You guys make it hard to decide...

 

Ok, question. Like i said before I'm on a 3x10 XT setup (clutch rear derailleur) at the moment except my front derailleur which is SLX.

If i want to change to a 1x10 setup...

 

What would be the benefits of it?

Can my current Crankset arm still be used? What size chainring infront?

Do i need to change the cassette?

And if i still use my granny gear on some steep hills should i stick to the 3x10 setup for now?

 

OK, i know this is a lot of questions, but i really would like to become a stronger and better rider.

 

Thanx

Christiaan

If you go 2x10 you will need to buy new crankset.

If you go direct to 1x10 you can use your 3x10 cranks, placing the new NW chainring in the middle position. The chainline should be close to ideal and not likely you will need spacers.

 

Going direct to 1x10 with your existing 11-36 cassette and a 32t NW chainring means you will lose 1st, 2nd and 3rd granny ratios and also on the big ring you lose 9th and 10th (the 2 hardest gears).

 

If you toss the 15, 17 off the cassette and add a 16 + 42 you will lose only 1st and 2nd granny (the 42t gives your 3rd granny back). On the top end you still lose 9th and 10th big ring but do you really use those a lot on trails?