double chainsets

flatpat
flatpat Posts: 78
edited September 2010 in MTB buying advice
Am thinking about switching to a double because:
1. current rings are badly worn
2. rarely use the big ring

In a "positive thinking" way, I'm also thinking:
1. no need to change front (deore) shifter
2. front mech will be easier to set up
3. chainline for bottom ring will be improved
4. new 36 top wil be pretty much as usable as the 34 I spend most of my time on

Am I right?

btw we're talking bottom of the range stuff here - prob deore or slx chainset to replace existing truativ.

Comments

  • Pudseyp
    Pudseyp Posts: 3,514
    The SLX B&B won this months grouptest in MBR....the only downside from memory was access for cleaning the chain rings from the front..
    Tomac Synper 140 Giant XTC Alliance 1
    If the world was flat, I wouldn't be riding !
  • nickfrog
    nickfrog Posts: 610
    Also consider 1x10 or 1X9 while you're at it. It works for me.
    2007 Commencal NUTS5 Superteam
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Unless your a weight weenie you may want to consider a bash to protect the middle ring - or leave your old outer on to do the job!

    You'll need shorter bolts or washers if you don't use something in the outer location to allow the 'middle' ring to be clamped up.

    +1 for 1x9.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • bluechair84
    bluechair84 Posts: 4,352
    I used to use an e:Thirteen bash in place of my outer - was very expensive with its double chain retention system. I'm now running SLX double and bash and i've loved it ever since. Spread of gear inches is fine too, very rarely need more.
    MBR also mentioned it uses a honeycomb design which absorbs bashes making the plate stronger - something the much more expensive bashplates have. Bargain.
    MTB Blog: Fouriers thick/thin and 42t crawler: First Look

    Ellsworth Moment
    Intense Socom
  • flatpat
    flatpat Posts: 78
    Discounted Deore or SLX doubles are very much in the frame. Glad the gear spread works - thanks for the info.

    1x9 sounds appealing esp given my record in bike maintenance and the upcoming muddy night ride season. However, I'm unfit and heavy so bail out gears are important, at least for the odd away days up in real hills. And wouldn't the cost of a single ring chainset + bash guard & chain device be more than a deore double?

    Long term, hub gears are probably the best option for me. Just too expensive right now - probably best bought with a new bike when it's requried.
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    SLX all the way. i've had mine for about 6 months and wouldn't go back to a triple unless i was a serious XC racer. for general trail riding it's awsome :D
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    SLX is really nice, I've got XTR on one bike and SLX on the other and you wouldn't know the difference when riding or from a few feet away. I'm a big double convert, only my road bike needs a big ring so why not?
    Uncompromising extremist

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