[Closed] Cheapest way to 1x9 an Inbred / Raceface Evolve crankset?

Is it a triple? I have 2 small on-one 456's, one double and one triple (both slx), and yes, the cable angle looks terrible, but both shift well.

Do you have the correct mech/shifter?

I guess if you wanted to 1x9, then adjusting the limit screws on the mech to lock it in place with the chain on the middle ring would be cheapest.

Yep. It's a triple. The frame's 14".

What do you mean, "correct mech / shifter"? It's an XTR rapid fire shifter and top pull mech. They worked fine on the Cannondale they came off (although with an XTR crank).

Yep, locking the mech in place is the cheapest way. I'll change my question to;

"What do I need to make my bike a 1x9 speed? I want to use the middle ring of the crank on there and remove the other two rings, mech and shifter for neatness. I know I need smaller chainring bolts for a single ring on the crank. Do I need anything else? Is a chain guide / retainer absolutely necessary? If so, what cheap one can you recommend? It's my wife's bike and is used for light XC and road commuting."

Thanks for the rply Paladin. What shifter / mech / crank do you have? Is it all SLX?

Thanks

Looks like a top swing mech would fit better, rather than a conventional, would reduce that angle.

But to answer the question you actually asked, the mech will be fine as a guide, you just need shorter bolts, or washers.

Was wondering if your mech/shifter are compatible with each other, but looks like they are.
My bike (2x) is full slx. My lads (3x) is slx cranks, I'll need to check on the mech and i'll take a PIC for you to compare.
Both frames are 16", so maybe it is an issue with your frame size...

A pic would be great.

I'm pretty much decided on 1x9 speed though. My wife kinda likes riding but certainly isn't a biker... if we're riding together she'll ask frequently which finger or thumb does what to the gears. She enjoys 1 hour family rides but doesn't wake up in the morning and think about dusty trails!

So, without the front mech / shifter;

Do I [i]need[/i] a chainguide or equivalent and if so, can you recommend a cheap one?

Do I need anything other than narrower chainring bolts?

Thanks

If it is just short family rides and nothing too rough then you will probably get away without a chain guide. Certainly worth trying prior to getting a chain guide.

If you want to keep the gears could you look into a low clamp (SRAM wording)/Top pull (Shimano wording) front mech which would put the clamp and cable retention point further from the cable stop.

OK doky, my slx mech/ slx crank 2x10
[img] [/img]

And my lads xt mech/slx crank 3x9
[img] [/img]

Don't know if that helps any, I think I'm inclined to agree with you about going 1x after comparing the pics

Thanks.

It's short family rides, 90% on road and 10% fireroad type stuff. I'll see if I can get some 'narrow' chain ring bolts (I live in Thailand) but if the chain's jumping off, get the folks to bring some kind of guide out at Easter.

We went for a ride a minute ago, the bike stayed in the middle ring at the front and my wife was more than happy with the gearing.

I was unpleasantly surprised at the cost on CRC of some AM / DH chain guide set-ups!

Thanks again for all the replies.

edit: beat me to it. The 16" looks like it's an ugly angle, but much better. 1x9 it is! Thanks a lot.
[s]I'm still interested in those photos paladin, even if it's only for interest's sake![/s]

Mike

I assume it is already a 9 speed bike.

All you need is some short chain ring bolts and a narrow wide chainring.

Take off your old rings replace the middle ring with a narrow wide ring.

http://www.workscomponents.co.uk/works-components-104bcd-thick--thin-chainring-alternating-thickness-extended-tooth-design-270-p.asp

I would not bother with a guide at all

three weeks ago I converted my ragley hardtail to 1x9.

I have left the front mech on as a chain guide & replaced the outer ring with a RaceFace narrowWide 30T from Merlin.

Ring & chain fitted (just) with no issues & no extras needed.

Been faultless so far.

So to answer your question, it cost me £40

So, new middle ring (narrow/wide), chainring bolts and *touch wood*, that's all.

Yep, it's a 9 speed. XTR rear mech certainly pre-clutch!), cassette, front mech and rapid fires. Chain's a cheapish SRAM.

Great help as I expect! Cheers STW'ers.

FYI - any 9 speed is clutchless.

I still haven't plucked up courage to try & ride up Winter Hill on it yet. Next weekend hopefully

Thick/thin ring is the way to go if buying new... If not, I'm just about to list a bunch of potentially-useful single ring stuff in classifieds but frankly the price of a used single ring and chain device is about the same as just getting a thick/thin ring so it's a hard sell 😉

I can only assume i'm wrong, but isn't the cable supposed to go straight down and through the black plastic guide and up through the retaining bolt? That way it wouldn't have a nasty looking angle??

not the best photo but it's all i've got at the minute.

[img][url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/12053452224_3aef03bb5b_o.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/12053452224_3aef03bb5b_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/55623703@N05/12053452224/ ]20140119_100542[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/55623703@N05/ ]Adam Branston[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Oops.....

I ran my Inbreds 1x9, with a std Deore ring & Superstarcomponents XCR guide.

I had a stack of washers made to use normal chainring bolts.
How much is airmail to Thailand... 😉
I'll send you some.

Thanks for the offer takisawa. I'm pretty sure that the narrow chainring bolts will be the easy bit to source.

Might have to wait until Easter to get a thick/thin ring but I can use the mech until then.

Thanks again

I wasn't able to get narrow chainring bolts but I did get washers that work. I had a quick ride in the road last night and the wife commuted to school. 1x9 seems fine. Nothing too bumpy but the chain seems fine.

The middle ring's a little worn so think I'll wait until Easter and get a thick/thin ring then.

Thanks again