XT/SLX 3x10 to 2x10 conversion?

mfereborn
mfereborn Posts: 480
edited March 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
I have a zesty 214 currently in 3x9 guise - ive bought a 10 speed xt crankset, 10 speed xt rear mech and 3x10 speed SLX shifters.

I am wondering if i can actually convert this system to 2x10 assuming i buy a 10 speed cassette however im concerned about the front mech as my zesty has a low-direct mount.

Can i use my slx 3 speed front mech effectively or may i suffer problems, is there a particular version i should use with 10 speed?

Also, can is et up the shifters to be 2x10 or will it have to be down to the front mech stop screws?

cheers

Thom
The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    What ratio chainrings do you have, and what will you end up with if go 2x10?

    You will need a new chain too really.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    Ah yes, of course the new chain!
    I will be running the same ratios as the SLX double chainset would provide, so i assume that aspect of things will be compatible?
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    36/22 or 32/24. Need some numbers ;-)
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    likely 36/22 however i was unaware the sizes may make a difference?

    i do appreciate your time BTW!
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    36/22 usually needs the mech lifting a little. If effectively using the triple with the outer removed, ie 32/22 or 32/24, you leave the mech in the same place. Limit stops to stop it moving too far.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    Ah okay cheers, i dont have the option of lifting the mech as it is fixed to the frame so i'll remove the outer sprocket in stead. But this means i dont need to play with different shifters or a different front mech, yeah?

    So all i need ia a full shimano 3x10 setup and then reset the limits/remove outer sprocket and it'll be hunky dory?

    cheers!
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yep! Stick with that 32 middle ring and all will be fine. Fit a bash if you need to.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    You sir, are an absolute star.

    If man love is acceptable, you may have much of it.
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • mfereborn wrote:
    I have a zesty 214 currently in 3x9 guise - ive bought a 10 speed xt crankset, 10 speed xt rear mech and 3x10 speed SLX shifters.........

    Nice bike! Something to consider: If your bike has an E-Type front derailleur then it is impossible to fine tune the working height of it (two positions to choose from) as opposed to a clamp style which is "infinitely" adjustable. Could work just fine though. Supersonics bashguard suggestion should be followed. It will allow you to "bulldoze" over obstacles without the worry of a bent ring and it will look a lot better. Make sure your chain is cut to match as well.

    Greetz,

    Matthew
    canadian. mechanic. GS1 and ProTour '04 & '05. church of bikes since 1978.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    Cheers, i've just bought a nice E13 supercharger bashring in Red which i think will be suitably tarty...

    I was going to run an ISCG mount chain device but the doubles dont seem to come up looking too good in reviews.

    Cheers
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • Matthew J.G.Price
    Matthew J.G.Price Posts: 25
    edited March 2012
    If you are running an etype front derailleur and the BB is 73mm (How wide is yours?) it may not be possible to mount certain brands of chain tensioner. I will be doing a customers bike on monday with an e13 Heim2 3 to 2 conversion so I can tell you first hand there is research to be done / experience to tap before starting a project such as this.

    You're right too. That red one is pure bike porn.

    Important! Check the chain lubricant list on the e13 website. The wrong ones will damage your supercharger and void any legitimate warranty claims.
    canadian. mechanic. GS1 and ProTour '04 & '05. church of bikes since 1978.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    Hi, my BB is a shimano press fit, the zesty has iscg mounts alongside the mounted front mech, therefore i assume theyre compatible?

    Thanks for the heads up on the supercharger!
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • Assuming in the bike business is like guessing before opening the bomb bay doors.
    Good advice is ok but trust only what you see.
    Beware of a self inflicted SNAFU.

    Good luck!

    Matthew
    canadian. mechanic. GS1 and ProTour '04 & '05. church of bikes since 1978.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    I've just notice, when trying to shop for an E type mech shimano make their E types with a BB mount - removing this BB mount would allow direct mount to the frame, yes? i had been shopping for a specific mech!
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • Seeing is believing. Post a close up of the seat tube/down tube/chainstay/BB knot incl front derailleur from both sides with the crank removed so we can see what you have on hand. To be honest I have not yet seen an etype mech and press fit bb combined. prhaps you have a direct mount mech and no etype.
    canadian. mechanic. GS1 and ProTour '04 & '05. church of bikes since 1978.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    The 2010 zesty does in fact come with a press fit and E type bolt on, i believe sram know the type as type 3 if i remember correctly.
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P
  • Matthew J.G.Price
    Matthew J.G.Price Posts: 25
    edited March 2012
    ok. your etype threw me off. its the etype without the backplate. not alot of those around. now we're on the same page. when you have your 2x10 conversion done and tested do you think you could give me a status report? thanx, matthew
    canadian. mechanic. GS1 and ProTour '04 & '05. church of bikes since 1978.
  • mfereborn
    mfereborn Posts: 480
    Hi mate - shall do, parts will be coming this week (tomorrow hopefully) so ill keep you informed.
    The Frog: Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 - Upgraded - W.I.P