Single Chain Ring??

WillGTJumper

At the moment I have a 27 speed gear system, most of my time I ride park, street, jumping or light downhill/singletrack. Having 3 front rings is just annoying and doesn't suit the bike, I was wondering how many teeth should I have at the front?
Next I was wondering can this fitting be carried out by me, as well will I need a bashguard and chain guide, if so what do you recommend?
As well I am on a small-medium budget.


Many Thanks


Will

whyamihere

Generally, with 9 speed at the back, people use chainrings between 34 and 38 teeth for what you describe. Depends how you like to ride, if you spin low gears fo for a 34, if you push harder gears, go for the 38, in the middle, 36.

For a bashguard, look for a second hand MRP or E.Thirteen. Alternatively, MRP have just brought out the SB-3, which is a cheaper, heavier version of the Type 3.

WillGTJumper

Thanks, now what make chain ring shall I get, I will be going for a 36t. Aswell do you need a chain guide as well as a bashguard?

whyamihere

Middleburn rings are excellent, probably the best for the money.

A chain guide is strongly recommended, because otherwise your chain will come off. You can bodge your front mech to act as a chain guide, but it's ugly and a proper chain guide does the job better.

BoredHousewife

I use a 36 tooth standard shimano chainring with a truvativ boxguide (£30ish off ebay new), no bash guard though so I can't advise there. I find the 36 tooth ring fine for every day needs although if you're a downhiller maybe go a bit bigger. And if you don't fit a bash guard you'll either need single ring specific chainring bolts or you can bodge it like i did, basically hacksaw the the mounting hole bits off your old outer ring and file the edges smooth, hardly noticable once its all fitted.