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So I have once of these that I use for commuting:
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Specialized roubaix elite 2004.
The middle ring is buggered and so is the bottom. Because of this I have been just using the big ring and the 9 gears at the back. (I know, nasty crossed chain tut tut). But it got me thinking I could probably manage with just 1 ring up front. so should i just take of the bottom 2 and see how i go, or do i need to move the big ring in somehow?
Do most peeople normally go slightly smaller when going from a triple to a single.
Current set up is 52x42x30 with 12x25 at the back.
do it.
I run 1x9 on my commuter, with a BBG bash and N-gear jump stop. Gearing is a 40t ring and a 11-28. Low enough for hill work but middle of the cassette for most stuff. Current ring is alu but I'll be going Surly stainless when that wears out. Hardwearing, simple, light. Job done.
I'd go to the largest ring you can fit on the middle of the chainset, try and get a SS specific ring if you can, it will behave much better without the shifting ramps and pins.
Go to an MTB cassette, an 11-34 9sp MTB block will give you a nice big range for those pesky hills.
All IMHO of course,
APF
Sounds good, any SS rings that would fit my ultegra cranks?
CRANKSETShimano Ultegra, Hollowtech arms
CHAINRINGS52Ax42Ax30A
BOTTOM BRACKETShimano Ultegra, Octalink spline, 68mm shell, 118.5mm spindle (triple)
these look quite good value
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brev-m-messenger-130mm-pcd-5-arm-chainring-prod23772/
also see http://www.dotbike.com (but the website seems to crash on me)
if you want stainless then search on surly but I'm not sure if they do 130mm BCD...
Whats the point? just replace the knackered rings and have a more versatile bike.
I'm running a 42 with an 11-32 cassette. Get an SS chainring and the chain stays on fine. If you are still gonna have STI levers on it though you might aswell leave the mech on and get new rings.
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simpler, lighter, tidier
yes I agree...but I couldn't be looking at a left sti that did nothing it would do my head in!
Aye, if you're buying a new ring it seems somewhat odd not to buy a normal middle, ditch the inner, and adjust the cable and front mech lower stop so you've got a normal double. Or leave the inner on and don't shift into it - it's not like you need it for commuting unless you're the bloke who serves the teas at the top of Snowdon.
Seems like a load of faff to strip the mech and cables and end up with fewer gears and an orphaned STI lever. IMHO.