I've got a Hummingbird frame turning up and I've been considering gears. I'm in the process of moving so not sure how much I'll need gears when I get moved so the next thought is whether 1x9 would be a winner (currently running 3x9).
Most of the pics I see, people have chainguides, is that all I might need or is there some other kit I'd be advised to pick up? How big a chainring would be advisable?
Chainguide of sorts is a must, otherwise chain will fall off easily on the bumpy stuff. An unramped chainring is highly advisable too, depends where you ride, but for most people a 1:1 bottom gear is manageable, so get a 32/34/36 depending on what cassette you have currently.
Short cage rear mech is advised too, and run your chain as short as you can in order to keep decent chain tension.
+1 for mboy
Chain guide is a must. I have a standard long cage mech, and it works fine, but it bounces around on the rough stuff. I run a 36x9 (just left the big ring on a standard XT crankset)and it works great.
As above chainguide for sure.
I was having problems with my chain coming off my Five's 3x10 set up so went straight for a 1x10 with a chainguide. I also bought a specific 32 tooth ring and took 3 links out of the chain.
It easily gets me up most stuff having a 36 at the back.
I may change the front to a 33/34 depending on how my legs cope!
Any recommendations on chain guides?
I'm going 1x9 on my commuter.
Just ordered an [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=47875 ]eThirteen XCX[/url] from CRC £35.
Also some [url= http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/bikemongers-stainless-chainring-bolts-132-p.asp ]Single ring bolts[/url] from Charlie the Bike Monger.
I'm going to keep the middle 32t ring until it's time to change the cassette & chain, then i'll go 34t or 36t front with 11-34 rear.
I used some [url= http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/235/cridsd/id-outer-chainring-spacers.html ]chain ring spacers [/url].
Initially my front mech served quite well as a chain guide.
Aye, front mech works fine as a guide. I've got a Superstar XC one on mine- the bottom bracket mounted one though, the seat-tube one seems ridiculously flexy, not convinced it'll do the job too well. But the BB one is good.
Intresting what Northwind said, I had a seat-post one arrive the other day & thought the clamp a bit fragile. (The first one arrived with a broken clamp & had to go straight back. I have a BB mount one also, & thats been fine. No dropped chains.
I have a superstar plasma I think? Bb mounted with top guide and jockey wheel roller. Works. I got it free with a subscription to dirt mag, but compared to the competition they're cheap.
I've got an MRP 1x coming now from the classifieds and ordering a chainring and bolts from Charlie. Lets see how that goes.
The eThirteen xcx guide & single ring bolts arrived today.
Got it all sorted pretty easily.
Gears weren't as smooth as I'd hoped so the nice chaps at The Bike Chain had a quick look.
Turns out my mech hanger is bent.
Got it straight enough to work until a new one arrives.
Really liking the 1x9 feel & look.
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