Noob chainring and XT FD questions

[partydave]

Hi guys,

I received a very nice parcel from a member containing an XT crank with 36T chainring, 34T chainring and XT FD.

 

Being quite new to the tech part of biking, I'm unsure which chainring would suit me best. I do 90% flat tar riding with minimal ascents. I'm currently running a stock triple Deore setup. I do run out of gearing when going faster, but also need more legs for bigger climbs when out in the wild. Not sure if the big ring or small ring makes the difference here.

 

My other issue is that I run SRAM X9 shifters, which means I can only use 2 chainrings (If I understand correctly), the middle and small ring. Can I remove the middle ring and shift between large and small rings or does the X9 shifter actually accommodate triples if setup correctly?

 

Then, the XT FD, it seems to use a different mounting method to the Deore FD, can I make it work somehow and is it worth the effort?

 

Sorry for the serious noob questions, but asking is the only way to learn

[JXV]

Photos will help. Especially the FD as there are several variants for different mountings. Are these 9spd, 10spd or 11spd components?

 

36T and 34T chainrings are quite small for 90% on flat tar riding. Also you don't mention wheel size which obviously would make a difference.

 

Smaller front chainrings make it easier in the hills and larger for flat terrain or descending. Historically, for 26ers, normal setup for a triple is 24-32-42 or 22-32-44 on some. These days, with larger 29er and 27.5 wheels being more popular than 26, chainrings bigger than 40t can be a bit tough with the bigger wheels.

 

You can't remove the middle ring on a triple crank ..... the chain won't shift properly across the gap. Due to your shifter FD mismatch it is probably cheapest to buy a SRAM FD or a Shimano left (front) shifter rather than bodging a fix with mismatched components

 

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[partydave]

I ride a 29r

 

Not sure what the stock chainring on a Deore tripple is, but I'm sure it's a 34, will confirm tonight. The XT Crankset came with 3 rings. a 36 XT, 34 Trutaniv and a small ring (no idea of size) 

My current middle ring fits the XT Crankset.

 

I've never been able to use my big ring, not sure if it's because of my X9 shifter or FD

 

My current setup is a 9 speed.

 

Current FD

http://en.hollandbikeshop.com/images/shimano-voorderailleur-deore-slx-fd-m671a-66-69-top-pull.jpg

 

XT FD

 

[JXV]

 

 

I ride a 29r

 

Not sure what the stock chainring on a Deore tripple is, but I'm sure it's a 34, will confirm tonight. The XT Crankset came with 3 rings. a 36 XT, 34 Trutaniv and a small ring (no idea of size)

My current middle ring fits the XT Crankset.

 

I've never been able to use my big ring, not sure if it's because of my X9 shifter or FD

 

My current setup is a 9 speed.

 

Current FD

http://en.hollandbikeshop.com/images/shimano-voorderailleur-deore-slx-fd-m671a-66-69-top-pull.jpg

 

XT FD

 

Ok thanks for pics.

 

I updated my reply above with some new info.

 

Your new XT FD is a direct mount version that requires a corresponding tab welded/moulded onto the frame. Your older SLX FD is clamp type that clamps around the seat-tube. I don't know if direct mount adapters that clamp on the seat tube are available but FDs are quite inexpensive so your best bet is to sell both the existing ones and buy a SRAM FD that will be compatible with your SRAM shifter.....or buy a Shimano front shifter to suit the SLX/XT FD ( lots around 'cos many ditched them when converting to 1x10).

 

Since you have never been able to use the big ring on your triple you could try fitting the 34t or 36t on middle. They are unlikely to shift nicely so maybe stick with the middle blade you already have. It is most likely a 32t and this what most 1x10 and 1x11 riders are using on 29ers

 

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[partydave]

Thanks for the advice JXV, greatly appreciated.

 

So there's no real point in the bigger ring till I get either a SRAM FD or Shimano shifter?

 

My other option is to do 10x1, chuck the FD and left shifter. Will this work with the components I have currently? I very rarely shift to a more difficult ring on the front anyway