1 x 9 set up

Mark909
Mark909 Posts: 456
edited December 2011 in MTB buying advice
Hello, I'm looking at buying a new frame and swapping components over from my current bike. Im thinking of going for a 1x9 set up with a chain guide. However I'm not sure what the best gear ratios to go for are. I tend to do xc to my localism berms and jumps then on way back it's good fun downhill all the way. Can anybody recommend me some decent gear. Currently have stx so something along those lines. Thanks for any advice.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Just buy some suitable rings ad try them.

    You do not need to change your cranks.

    Cog size anything from 34to38T it depends on you and where ou ride.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    He never mentioned changing his cranks

    A 34t chainring is a good starting point usually. I run a 36t on mine, however I'm thinking of going down to 34t, as i ran 36 on a hardtail, which was fine, but just switched to a long travel fully, and it's a bit more work.
    I'd reccommend the superstar XCR top guide by the way, if you mostly ride XC. If you want something a bit more heavy duty, the superstar plasma is a good guide, and pretty light.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    ilovedirt wrote:
    He never mentioned changing his cranks
    It is implied.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Mark909
    Mark909 Posts: 456
    nicklouse wrote:
    ilovedirt wrote:
    He never mentioned changing his cranks
    It is implied.

    All right calm down calm down I didnt imply changing my cranks.

    Thanks for the info dirt I'll check it out.
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    No worries, regarding the actual kit itself, you want to get a singlespeed specific ring, like an e-thirteen guide ring or something, because if you have a ramped and pinned middle ring, the chain can get dropped much easier, particularly if you're running a top-only guide. It's not really an issue with an SS specific ring. Though if you choose to run a full top and bottom guide, it's not as important. Although I still run a SS specific ring, just to be on the safe side.

    As for the mech etc, any will do really, but you have the ability to use a short-cage mech, which means shorter chain, and less chainslap etc. (i'm running X7 mech and shifter with a short cage mech, and it works perfectly). And when measuring the chain out, don't forget to do big-big ring + 1 whole (inner and outer) link.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    No reason to change mech, although you can do it.

    Just get a basic top guide (Superstar is fine!), a ring of your choice and some short bolts. Nowt else needed.
  • andyrm
    andyrm Posts: 550
    I'd say to go for a 34t with an 11-34 cassette and a Superstar Plasma. If you're going single ring, you may as well get as secure as possible....... I've been running that setup for over 18 months and it's spot on. Had a Blackspire 34t DH ring on the last build, new set up is a 34t Middleburn Hardcoat.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    My daughter runs 1x9, we ran a couple of middle rings until she decided what gear size to use, she uses just a bash and and an N-gear jump stop at the front and the chain has never come off at the top although she was getting it coming off at the bottom when in the lowest gears and now has a blackspire stinger as well.

    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.
  • Beardface
    Beardface Posts: 5,495
    Currently running a 1x9 setup, I have an e-13 40t ring up front on a Marin Attack Trail (150mm), and it's a bit of a struggle on the ups sometimes, but fun on the downs. Considering dropping to a 36t or 38t whilst I get the fitness back up!
    Bird Aeris

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