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Anyone know the easiest way to convert my 2x10 gravel bike to 1x10? Ideally i'll keep the existing 105 shifter. The chainset is a Sram Apex 50/34, derailleur a 105 and cassette an 11-28 105. Can I just put, say, a 38T or 40T chainring on? Are spacers required anywhere? I'd change the cassette to a 11-36. It's a Hope hub, so I'm assuming I can fit an MTB cassette.
I fitted a 38t Absolute Black Oval to a 105 crank on my old gravel bike (but I'd changed to Deore MTB mech and wider range cassette).
Don't see why you couldn't just do the same though? I don't think Hope road freehubs are the same as MTB, or even if a 105 will take a 36t cassette. I had 105, so that's why I replaced it with a 9 speed Deore MTB mech.
a narrow/wide chainring in the outside position on a double chainset will give you a decent chainline, that's how mine has been setup for a couple of years as 1x10.
Cassette should be no problem, your main issue to solve is the rear derailleur and making sure it has the capacity and clearance to cope with a wider range cassette. Like johnw1984, I fitted a 9 speed MTB mech but am using an 11-40 cassette. You might need to fit a mech hanger extender to allow the 105 mech to clear a 36t sprocket.
mine:
36t is probably too big for your mech.
105 5701 sgs is 30t max
Gs is 32t max.
Real world usage may vary but I'd not be pushing it that far (given you've likely a sgs especially if supplied on a complete build)
10speed shimano road derailleurs use the same cable pull as 9speed mountain so a 9 speed mountain meh should solve that.
Perfect, thanks. 9 speed Deore mech, Superstar 38T chainring and SLX 11-36 cassette sounds the way forward.
You can run a 38t up front and a 11-36t 10 speed cassette witha 105 medium cage mech no worries, I did for a season of 'cross and also the 3 Peaks.
38T absolute black (well mine is red) in 130 mm BCD on mine. This works fine with an 11-25 for road. You’ll be a bit spinny down the hills but should get up most. A 28 if you struggle. All works fine. For the right hand shifter, run a dummy cable so it doesn’t move. Or consider a bar end shifter. Plenty about for little money on the time trial forum.
I ride gevenalle 1x10 shifters instead. And a separate wheel set with bigger sprockets for cross riding and a spacer to make it 1x9 with somewhere for the chain to drop - see HUUP
No need to fit a dummy cable in the left hand lever, just take the cable out and leave it as it is. Once you've shifted it into the outer chainring position it can't move any more than it would with a cable in.
FWIW I used to have a 38t with 11-32 cassette and it was ok for most road and track riding - until I took it over Wrynose pass last year and it wasn't so I decided I wanted at least a 1:1 bottom gear.