Single front chainring

JAKBLADE

I want to change my front triple chainrings for a single ring set-up. I want to keep the 8sp at the rear but I'm worried about chain alignment as I want to fit an outer size 42/44t chainring and not a middle size ring.

bomberesque

fit the 42T in the position where you would normally fit the middle ring. you will find that your chainring bolts are too long so you need to get shorter (singlespeed) ones or file yours down or fit washers or even put the middle ring in the outer ring position to act as a big old washer.

You will also (probably) need a chainguide widget thing (can't find a pic atm, it's like a plastic finger that attaches where your front mech would) so the chain doesn't ship when you're in 1st on the rear. Normally your front duerralier does this but I suppose you're removing that aswell. I have heard (but not tried it myself) that if you use a singlespeed specific chainring (no shifting ramps and taller teeth) that you can run 1x8 without a chainguide and in anycase, it may work with your current big ring, all you can do is try

I assume this is for road use?

ride_whenever

I'd fit a bash anyway, it'll help with the stiffness of the setup. Some really lightweight cranks cannot be run with a single ring for exactly this reason.

A proper singlespeed ring with no shifting gates (smaller teeth in places to help shifting) will negate the need for a derraileur or chainguide. At a later date you'll also be able to fit a short cage mech too.

hoathy

Why are you wanting to do this? If you are wanting to make it lighter and find you aren't using the 2 smaller rings, buy a SS specific ring like a DMR saturn or a Middleburn Solid DH and don't fit a bash, if you are going to go dirt jumping/street riding then fit a bash ring and a suitable ring. Don't fit a bash for the sake of it.

JAKBLADE

It's for the Carrera Subway i use for work. Don't need the range of gears and as I work on a steelworks the front mech is just another piece of kit to seize solid and corrode to hell with the garbage crud that accumulates on the roads to/from and on the works. I have looked at changing the outer ring onto the middle but until I take off the chainrings not sure if this is possible.I still have the old original alloy chainguard thingybob that I could use as a big washer if need be. Will have to try some tinkering methinks!!!! Watch this space.....