Cassette & Chainring Replacement Question

[DemitriN]

Hi guys, what do you suggest: I'm about to replace the chainrings, chain & cassette on my trail bike as they're pretty worn. What I'm wondering is if I should replace with the exact same components I presently have or if I should go with a slightly different/more current setup. I never really use the large chainring, so I could technically consider going 2 x 9. Is this feasible? If so, what cassette & chainring ratios should I be looking at?

 

The bike is 2010 with SLX components.

Current Crankset is 22/32/44 teeth

Current Cassette is 9-speed, 11 - 34 teeth.

 

I don't really want to spend too much (upgrading rear derailleur, etc) & I don't mind going with deore components. Thanks!

[JJDT]

I would go for SLX components again but Deore is also fine. From a pricing perspective Deore components are cheaper and lasts just as long as the SLX components.

 

Your other choice could be just 1x9 depending on how frequently you use your granny gear, there is a 32t NW chainring size so no difference. The problem you will face when removing the large chainring is that you will need to add spacers to the front to secure the middle chainring as the large chainring acts as a spacer for the chainring bolts.

 

When going 2x9 setup no need for a new rear derailleur just adjust the front derailleur not to go past the middle chainring.

[King_Crispy]

I would go for SLX components again but Deore is also fine. From a pricing perspective Deore components are cheaper and lasts just as long as the SLX components.

 

Your other choice could be just 1x9 depending on how frequently you use your granny gear, there is a 32t NW chainring size so no difference. The problem you will face when removing the large chainring is that you will need to add spacers to the front to secure the middle chainring as the large chainring acts as a spacer for the chainring bolts.

 

When going 2x9 setup no need for a new rear derailleur just adjust the front derailleur not to go past the middle chainring.

Untrue. He can buy the single chainring bolts. Spacers look ***. Kiwi sells the bolts. www.rapide.co.za

[Tatt]

My daughters setup on her Pyga. SLX 3x10, with just the middle ring making it a 1x10.

 

 

[Martin PJ]

My daughters setup on her Pyga. SLX 3x10, with just the middle ring making it a 1x10.

 

I am surprised you don't have dropped chains with this set up.

 

On Aliexpress.com some sellers are offering the NW single chain ring for 16 USD now. They also have lots of nice colours.

[NotSoBigBen]

I am surprised you don't have dropped chains with this set up.

 

On Aliexpress.com some sellers are offering the NW single chain ring for 16 USD now. They also have lots of nice colours.

 

As you suggest I had no success with a standard ring unless I used a chainguide ... would be interested to know how well this works and if it's with a clutch RD?

[Tatt]

I also get looks of surprise on the setup.  Never dropped a chain  It does have a clutch RD, it is locked  (hope I've got the correct terminology),

 

Tom

[DemitriN]

I would go for SLX components again but Deore is also fine. From a pricing perspective Deore components are cheaper and lasts just as long as the SLX components.

 

Your other choice could be just 1x9 depending on how frequently you use your granny gear, there is a 32t NW chainring size so no difference. The problem you will face when removing the large chainring is that you will need to add spacers to the front to secure the middle chainring as the large chainring acts as a spacer for the chainring bolts.

 

When going 2x9 setup no need for a new rear derailleur just adjust the front derailleur not to go past the middle chainring.

 

 

1. So if I decide to go 2x9, should I replace the 22t and 32t chainrings with the same sizes? Or go with something like 26t and 36t?

 

2. When/if I remove the big chainring, will I require any different/additional hardware (spacers, bolts, etc)?

  

3. Re. the cassette, any suggestions? I presently have 11-34t. Stick with that or 11-32t or 12-36t? 

[Martin PJ]

As you suggest I had no success with a standard ring unless I used a chainguide ... would be interested to know how well this works and if it's with a clutch RD?

 

On my single I have a non clutch SRAM X7, I have some chain slap and the chain falls off sometimes when descending pretty rough downhills. This does cause problems for me. My son has the same setup and his chain doesn't fall off. I tend to pedal a bit backwards when descending, so maybe that is when it happens.

[Tatt]

To the OP, have a chat with CWC, I picked up the complete SLX set-up for a very good price. They also put all the bits together on the frame. 

 

Pic of the RD and clutch lever position. Just out of interest, I am running the XT 2x11 (42/11 x 26/36) and if I don't have the clutch locked I drop the chain at every opportunity..

 

Tom