gears

stoksey25

Hi just wondering what if any advantages of changing the front gears from 3 to 1 and would you need to put any type of chain guide on to replace the mech. Thanks for your help

cooldad

You'd have fewer gears if that's an advantage, and save a bit of weight. And you would need something, or you could just adjust the limit screws and use the mech.

adamgraves2009

I changed from a 3 ring to a single. It's great for the simplicity as a chain guide dosn't need much setting up. Would recommend going for eith a 32 or 34 chain ring. Iv found 32 tooth ring gives you a good range of gearing. Would also recommend a chain guide nothing worse than the chain coming off over the chain ring and munching your ankle lol

stoksey25

ok thanks do I need to get anything else other than a guide . Will the crank be ok if i take the other rings off.

cooldad

Just take the rings off, adjust the limit screws on the mech and you can try it out for nothing. Buy new stuff if you do, put it all back on if you don't.
Or even simpler, just use the middle ring for a while and see.

And depends on the crank - on cheaper ones the rings are rivited on.

stoksey25

Hi yes i have been doing that for a while. just using middle ring a 32t so have decided to take thee others off.
looked at these are they any good and what are the difference between them

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=47875

cooldad

Depends on your BB. Superstar have them cheaper.
External BB
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=362
Cartridge BB
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=475

YeehaaMcgee

you may need shorter chainring bolts as well.

stoksey25

Hi this may be a stupid question but what's the difference between cartridge and external BB

nicklouse

A lot.

Why?

Have read of the info on Parktools for an overview.