Triple vs single chainring

[Samantha01]

Hi,

 

I am fairly new to MTB and I would like to convert my triple front chainring to a single chainring.

 

Is that the way to go and what size should I look at for a beginner?

[nickc]

Hi Samantha - welcome to the Hub.

 

Although this is the way to go, in my opinion as a beginner there is probably no harm in you staying with your triple setup for the moment - will give you more options, most of all on climbs.

 

Later when you are more comfortable with your bike you can look at converting.

[nickc]

If you do want to go this route depending how strong you are here in The big smoke you would look at a 32 or 34 t. I run a 34 t.

[Ampandy]

How about going 2x first, I think you will be more comfortable that route, say a 24/38 or 26/38

[Beast Tech]

We normally change to single chain rings for simplicity reasons, less things to make noises and go wrong. But I would say first ride your triple. Stay in the middle ring for as long as possible and try not change. If you can easily accompllish this without needing the other two rings then go for the conversion 

[WIPEOUT 1000]

Why do you want to change ?

[Disher]

I would advise against it, heres why.

 

I had a 3 x9 set up, decided to run a single chainring so wanted to change to a 1 x 10 or 11. Hmmmm first problem as the shifters are 9 speed XTR shifters. Would have become pretty expensive to change the shifters and the cassette etc... on that basis I left it as a 1 x9 -

 

The bike looked great, less clutter on the handlebars, all in all I thought it was okay but after a number of rides and some stiff climbs I realised that I was missing out. I didn't have the gearing to match quick downhills and I certainly didn't have the gearing for the hectic uphills.

 

Thinking that I would do the conversion to shed some weight is also obsolete because I carry so much crap in my camelback a few grams would make no difference. The simplicity of running 1 ring in front versus three??/ In truth it made no difference from a reliability perspective.

 

Understand that the new bikes coming out with 2 x10 or 1 x 11 have been set up by the manufacturer that way so it works well for the more professional fitter type riders. For the average weekend warrior my opinion is keep the 3.

 

Whatever you do, keep the spare parts that come off the front setup as you will more than likely want to change it back after a few months.

[DR ◣◢]

Switched to 1x9 a couple of years back and never regretted it. Running a 32,33,34 on the front with an 11-34 cassette. Only on some seriously harsh climbs do I suffer. At that point I walk faster anyways so pushing works just fine

 

I find a lot of people, especially beginners, favour the middle ring up front anyways. Less complicated shifting overall. 

 

Make sure you get single ring specific chainring bolts.

[Ryno.]

You will never regret going 1x10, only when you have done the conversion you will realise all the other gears were unnecessary. But only when you feel ready . Do a few hilly rides in the middel chainring without shifting upfront and make sure you are comfortable on the steep climbs 15+ % if not get a 32 or 30 or 28 upfront. But 1x10 is the way to go!

[Beefy]

I would work out what size your middle chainring is and can you ride in it exclusively without needing the granny.

 

My triple rings had a 32t which is perfect for me with 26" wheels but tough with 29" so I use a 30t.

 

I don't do many races and for trail riding I back a 1x9 or 1x10 setup.