Chain Rings and Clusters

[EigerSA]

Hi guys. I've noticed that after 9 months of mtb'ing, I rarely use the small ring in front, I spend most of my time on the middle ring and large ring. Also seem to use the middle gears on the back more than granny gear and diabolical gear (sorry, not sure what the little one is called). What I was thinking about hacking the gears a bit... so I want to take out the gears at the back that I don't use as well as take off the small ring in the front. Can this be done? And if it can be, any advice?

[Flowta]

Yes, it can be done.

 

But you'd need spacers to take upthe place of the ones removed.

Otherwise you can get a 9 speed road cassette. 11-26 or something.

 

Or go for SINGLESPEED

 

[EigerSA]

I considered singlespeed, but I don't want to loose the luxury of having choice. So I was considering loosing the small blade in the front, and say 3 or 4 gears at the back... 

[Flowta]

Then I reckon go for the road cassette.

 

 

 

Possibly get a 36 or 38 middle ring and lose the big ring.

 

Just an idea.

 

 

 

I have a "emergency" derailleur and shifter set up for my singlespeed.

 

Old schoole friction shifter so that I can stick any cassette on there.

 

[techguy]

Go 1x9, I have a 36 ring on front, with an 11-34 cassette and I can get over anything...

[Bos]

Do you stay somewere very flat? because If you are thinking of entering a race oneday you might be sorry dude there are very few races you can ride comfortably with no smallblade in front and a roadcasette. Also you say you want choice, just leave the rear alone. Take the "small" of in front if you really want to.

 

I wouldnt mess with it. Sometimes you can have a whole bunch of troubles from "fixing" something that might not really have broken in the first place and leave you wishing you never messed with it. 

 

 Just my opinion and I obviously dont know the whole story.

Good luck!

[MoreTrails]

If you want to do it properly, 42/29 crackset with 11-34 cassette. The ratios even out out to what is available with 3 blades and an 11-32.

 

Otherwise, get spacers and individual cassette cogs and build up on a standard freehub. It is very easy, there are a couple specific tools needed but other than that it is fun. I have built a 3 speed this way - but have gone back to single speed for no mess no fuss setup

 

[EigerSA]

Actually I'm wanting to do this for my commute bike. It is mostly a flat ride, with just two long but not too steep hills. I want to go singlespeed but figured I'd start slow by just dropping two or three gears. Thanks for everyone's advice, think for now I'll just wait till my other bikes built up then go to ss.