Conversion to 10 speed

[Jakoos]

HI, all. I need some advice/opinions please. My wife struggles with shifting the chainring side of the drivetrain (not sure if that is the correct description). I want to make things easier for her by reducing shifting to only the rear, like on the newer bikes. How difficult is it to convert a 24 speed mtb to a 10 speed? What is involved? How expensive is this conversion? And opinions, like is it worthwhile to do on an older bike - she is very attached to her Merida. The intended conversion will not be used for serious riding or competitions, so components need not be top of the range.

[Mook]

1 hour ago, Jakoos said:

HI, all. I need some advice/opinions please. My wife struggles with shifting the chainring side of the drivetrain (not sure if that is the correct description). I want to make things easier for her by reducing shifting to only the rear, like on the newer bikes. How difficult is it to convert a 24 speed mtb to a 10 speed? What is involved? How expensive is this conversion? And opinions, like is it worthwhile to do on an older bike - she is very attached to her Merida. The intended conversion will not be used for serious riding or competitions, so components need not be top of the range.

@Jakoos have you checked out the 100's of Youtube video's on this very topic? There must be hundreds of howto's covering specifically 3x8 to 1x10 upgrades on old and new MTB's.

The process is really straightforward.

[Jakoos]

Did not even think to check there! 🤦 Thanks, will have a look.

[GLuvsMtb]

I assume your wife's setup is a 3x8 setup. First of all your Freehub needs to be 35mm in length. Below video explains why:

Assuming your freehub complies, you then need to check the Bottom Bracket for compatibility with cranks you will need to convert to 1x10. 
https://wheelsmfg.com/bb-standards?srsltid=AfmBOortFal3cT8fA-eL4-xsVDcMfCXwmtcPWc_EnQe9g2yeO_KDM-1X
Assuming its all in order, what you will need then:
10 speed cassette: 
10 speed chain:
10 speed shifter and derailleur:
1 x crankset:
1 x press fit or threaded BB (depending on your current one):
suitable size chainring (a 32t chainring should work fairly well):

If you can find a 10 speed groupset, it will cost around R8k new for SLX or similar spec. 

[ChrisF]

1 minute ago, GLuvsMtb said:

I assume your wife's setup is a 3x8 setup. First of all your Freehub needs to be 35mm in length. Below video explains why:

Assuming your freehub complies, you then need to check the Bottom Bracket for compatibility with cranks you will need to convert to 1x10. 
https://wheelsmfg.com/bb-standards?srsltid=AfmBOortFal3cT8fA-eL4-xsVDcMfCXwmtcPWc_EnQe9g2yeO_KDM-1X
Assuming its all in order, what you will need then:
10 speed cassette: 
10 speed chain:
10 speed shifter and derailleur:
1 x crankset:
1 x press fit or threaded BB (depending on your current one):
suitable size chainring (a 32t chainring should work fairly well):

If you can find a 10 speed groupset, it will cost around R8k new for SLX or similar spec. 

 

@Jakoos the post above explains it very well.

 

1x11 will cost about the same, and give you much more gearing options.

 

the low cost 1x12 is best avoided ....

[Jakoos]

Thanks, appreciate the detail. Seems the idea is very doable but it may become an expensive exercise!

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

If you start getting into new freehub (or hub) and crank set territory, it’s really not worth it even if you manage to find really cheap, good quality parts. 

Keep an eye on the classifieds for a second hand 1x instead, or look at a new 1x in the 12-14k range. 

2nd hand Momsen

 

[ChrisF]

46 minutes ago, Jakoos said:

Thanks, appreciate the detail. Seems the idea is very doable but it may become an expensive exercise!

 

If the freehub can take the 10/11 speed cassette, then it is very easy.

 

Next, if the chainring (front) is 104 pcd (pitch circle diameter), then it is very easy to get a chain ring.

 

PS - you need a narrow-wide ring if you are going 11 speed.

 

 

Sometimes the shops sell an "upgrade kit", including most of the parts:

. Trigger shifter, including cable

. Ring gear

. Chain

. Derailure, long cage offers more options if you want more climbing gears

. Cassette

 

Alternatively you can speak to Janos at Evobikes for a qoute for all the parts.

[Jakoos]

Thank you, really appreciate this info. I am in Pretoria, will try some local guys first.

[RobertWhitehead]

Does she have integrated shifters and brake levers? It does sound like it will become quite an extensive exercise. If you're in Gauteng send me a DM I will gift a lot of parts to make things happen if you want to go 10 speed

[ChrisF]

22 minutes ago, Jakoos said:

Thank you, really appreciate this info. I am in Pretoria, will try some local guys first.

 

Do yourself a favour and take Robert's offer.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Yep, Robert will sort you out and he’s in Garsfontein 

[Jakoos]

21 minutes ago, RobertWhitehead said:

Does she have integrated shifters and brake levers? It does sound like it will become quite an extensive exercise. If you're in Gauteng send me a DM I will gift a lot of parts to make things happen if you want to go 10 speed

Thank you very much, this is very kind. I will contact you directly, if you do not mind? Thanks to everyone for advice!

[Jakoos]

Hi, All

Time for feedback.  The Merida was converted to 9 speed by Robert this morning.  We spoke about it and he advised, based on the type of riding the bike is intended for, 9 speed is going to work well and it is a simple and straightforward job.  Robert did the conversion for me and I must say, I am impressed!  This guy knows what works and how to make it work even better.  I will really recommend Robert if you want anything done on your bike, the man is a perfectionist and gives his full attention to even the smallest detail.  Thanks once again, Robert, it was a pleasure to watch you work and an honour to meet you!

[Sandro]

7 minutes ago, Jakoos said:

Hi, All

Time for feedback.  The Merida was converted to 9 speed by Robert this morning.  We spoke about it and he advised, based on the type of riding the bike is intended for, 9 speed is going to work well and it is a simple and straightforward job.  Robert did the conversion for me and I must say, I am impressed!  This guy knows what works and how to make it work even better.  I will really recommend Robert if you want anything done on your bike, the man is a perfectionist and gives his full attention to even the smallest detail.  Thanks once again, Robert, it was a pleasure to watch you work and an honour to meet you!

Was also going to suggest him, definitely the go to guy for these upgrades.

[Michael Dorfling]

I want to do the same for a old Giant Trance, is there somebody that can do the same for me, im in the Durbanville area

Edited Thursday at 03:38 PM by Michael Dorfling