Triple vs. Double Chain ring - MTB

[Orvor]

I've searched the archives on this, but don't seem to find any answers.  My question is - Is it possible to run a double chain ring as an average rider (Riding 4x per week) on a mtb?

 

Maybe reduce the size (teeth) of one of the 2 chain rings at the front, and increase the size of the granny gear at the back (if its possible from a 34T to something bigger?)

 

Has anyone done this - is it even feasible?

[Brettski]

Why would you want to? are you concerned about weight?

[Overlord]

My ratios on the mtb

 

Front  44/29

Rear   11/34

 

[singletrackmind]

the weight you loose at the front you will gain at the cassette anyway. only worth doing if you can use the 32T granny gear.

[TNT1]

yes, it is possible. as for the average rider, the ratios you use depends on the terrain and your fitness...

[AndreZA]

If you never use your front granny ring then take it off. Just set the limiters on the front derailleur and all is perfect.

[TNT1]

 

My ratios on the mtb

 

Front  44/29

Rear   11/34

 

 

Yip, that's about right.

 

And it's not really about a weight saving, although you will get some benefit, it's about a technically cleaner shifting system...

 

[Gert Janse v Rensburg]

If you never use your front granny ring then take it off. Just set the limiters on the front derailleur and all is perfect.

 

 

and move one spacer on ur chainring side over to the left side so that you can ride cross chain in all gears......

[Flowta]

On the GT Ruckus Flowta, I've got 36/22 up front with 11-32 at back.

 

Yes, took the big chainring off

 

[Brettski]

Don't get the point unless you are trying to save weight.

[Thug]

There is no reason why you can't run a double in the front. I've been toying with the idea myself.

 

If you run a slightly smaller chainring like a 29 tooth instead of the normal middle ring and a 11/34 cassette at the back you should be able to cover most ratios.

 

Middelburn make a specific 2 chainring crank.

 

 

 

[singletrackmind]

FSA/middleburn/ cannondale and a few others all have specific double mtb cranks. I just took of the granny ring and i run a 32/44 front. No problems at all and have a 32 at the rear as well. I find using this ratio fine for KZN riding but if you stay in sabie you need as easy as you can get.

[droo]

Middleburn cranks are the nuts. You can change the spider to run 1, 2 or 3 rings, 4 or 5 bolt. And they're light and strong and nifty looking and not shimano.

 

 

 

As far as the original question goes, if you've got the legs for it, why not? Just make sure your riding buddies can keep pace with you...

[thatcap]

The reason people run a duo crankset is not for weight saving....The main reason is for a better ratio and better chainline.On a tripple ring you cannot run big blade and granny at the back.With a double ring crank your large ring sits where the middle ring would.

in saying that, it also depends what terrain you ride on your mtb.Double ring is better suited to lap racing and technical riding, also better to use a 42T chainring instead of a 44T. The jump from a 44 to 29 can be quite sever in terms of the change in cadence.

 

Also,taking off your granny ring to make it a double ring crank is pretty pointless.its a tiny weight saving and you still have the disadvantages of tripple ring and none of the duo crank advantages .rather sacrifice the 15gr, just incase you have bad day!!!