Shimano XT 2x11 to SRAM 1x12

[kerradoh]

Howsit,

 

Im thinking about doing this conversion but am totally lost in understanding the tech side of things when it comes to gear ratio's and cassette sizing, throw in some teeth numbers and jeez... I honestly dont know how to even start.

Basically i want to simplify my setup and free up some space on the front bars.

Put my front light on last night and my handle bars are looking like like my shimano reel after letting my kid have his first beach cast. (Riding a 930 spark)

 

Whats the savvy way to go about doing this? 

Shop around and get advice and buy the parts I need online, and attempt to install myself, or get my LBS to do it for me? Im not a mug with tools, but fear I lack the understanding to get it right.

I would like to achieve a few things:

Simplified shifting and cabling, but maintaining the current coverage I have in a 2x11 setup

Move the remote lockout to below the bars (hopefully replacing the current XT front derailleur's space)

Re-locate the dropper post remote.

 

Your thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

 

 

[bullet77]

If you going with GX/XX/XO 10-50 you'll need to change your free hub to XD. If you go NX 11-50 you can use the same one you have. 

[PeterF]

Your XT front derailleur sits on your handlebar.????

[PeterF]

Ok I know you mean shifter. What year model Spark is it, as the remote lockout and dropper levers are an integrated unit on the newer Sparks.

[gemmerbal]

joh that must be a very busy cockpit! interesting topic, im here to learn...

[PeterF]

joh that must be a very busy cockpit! interesting topic, im here to learn...

Yip, brake cables x 2, shifter cable x 1, dropper post cable x 1 and shock & fork remote lockout cables x 2 = 6 cables on the bars.

[Martin PJ]

I don't think taking XT off a bike is an upgrade.

[BMXER]

I don't think taking XT off a bike is an upgrade.

I have to agree.

[dirtypot]

I would go the far simpler route of just getting an 11-46T Sunrace cassette (not the Shimano - the gear ratios aren't as good) with a new chain and pop on a narrow wide chainring.  Far easier and cheaper than replacing your entire drivetrain with SRAM. 

[kerradoh]

Ok I know you mean shifter. What year model Spark is it, as the remote lockout and dropper levers are an integrated unit on the newer Sparks.

Thanks for your input, its a 2018, definitely separate remote lockout and dropper lever, seperate cabling too   

[Alouette3]

I'd initially go with what dirtypot said . 1x11 using Sunrace cassette, new chain and try out a 32T narrow wide chain ring up front. You can keep your current freehub and rear shifter etc. so capital outlay is not to bad if you don't like it.

 

Rapide or Lyne for Chainrings

Maybe CWC for cassette?

[kerradoh]

I would go the far simpler route of just getting an 11-46T Sunrace cassette (not the Shimano - the gear ratios aren't as good) with a new chain and pop on a narrow wide chainring.  Far easier and cheaper than replacing your entire drivetrain with SRAM. 

Shot for the info, ya Im not at all unhappy with  xt, but would like to go 1x to free up space, or am I misguided in my thinking?

[kerradoh]

Nice, thanks

 

I'd initially go with what dirtypot said . 1x11 using Sunrace cassette, new chain and try out a 32T narrow wide chain ring up front. You can keep your current freehub and rear shifter etc. so capital outlay is not to bad if you don't like it.

 

Rapide or Lyne for Chainrings

Maybe CWC for cassette?

[dirtypot]

Shot for the info, ya Im not at all unhappy with  xt, but would like to go 1x to free up space, or am I misguided in my thinking?

 

Not at all, but there's nothing wrong with your XT.  1x12 isn't needed.

[PeterF]

Thanks for your input, its a 2018, definitely separate remote lockout and dropper lever, seperate cabling too

 

That's interesting because I know that with both the 2018 Spark 920 and 940 the dropper lever and remote lockout is an integrated unit.

[Prince Albert Cycles]

I have 2 mtb's . Hardtail with 2 X 10 and DS with Eagle 1 X 12 .

With the 1 x12 you will be freeing up the space and it makes for lazy riding ( no need to plan ahead as to which front chainring to use )

But with the 2 X11 you have so many more options in terms of gears available . And there will be a day that the Eagle will fall short , either your chosen chainring will have too many or not enough tooth .