Upgrading Boardman - Need some advice!

Sniper34d

Hey all, this is my first post so hi... and go easy on me.

I have a Boardman HT Comp http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/ht_comp.html

I ride all over, from xc to trails and am looking to start upgrading components to suit my riding, but more so, my love for tinkering with anything I own.

Converting to 1x9 & Upgrading rear mech/shifters to xt or x9:

I only use my 32t ring up front and hate changing gears 1-3... So I want to install a single ring and guide, perhaps 34t, and get rid of my shifter and front mech. Here is my current groupset:

Shifters SRAM X5
Front Mech SRAM X5
Rear Mech SRAM X5
Chainset FSA Alpha Drive 44x32x22T
Cassette SRAM PG950
Chain KMC Z99
Bottom Bracket FSA Powerdrive

So my questions are:

Do I simply measure the distance between 2 of the 4 current bolts on the crank arm/chainrings and then choose a new ring like this for example with the same bolt hole placement? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=87847

Is this mrp chain guide going to be enough to hold the chain on once a few links are dropped from the chain? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=40904

Are Shimano XT and sram x9 comparable shifters and mechs? XT seems to come in about £10 cheaper per item which is a nice saving if they are alike quality wise. I want to upgrade from the sram x5 because its not smooth under pressure and also feels like it needs adjusting, even though it doesn't, when I pedal in 1-3 and 8-9.

Any points I should look out for or consider? A LBS will be installing all btw, they just cannot get these components at the same rates as the online stores.

Thanks for any advice!!!

Chunkers1980

Do nothing and ride.

Sniper34d

Thanks... Very helpful!

warpcow

That chainring will fit. The BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter) is 104mm.

Doesn't the Boardman have some kind of pressfit bottom-bracket? If so, that guide won't fit. It would need to be seattube mounted if that's possible.

Shorter bolts will be needed too, or washers.

XT and X9 are roughly comparable, but I'd perhaps wait with this until you've tried 1x9. Also, just changing the shifter will make a big difference. XT feels pretty smooth, but a bit 'vague' imo. X9 is quite 'clunky' but smooth. Remember rear shifters and mechs have to be the same brand and speed.

felix.london

You love tinkering but are getting the LBS to install it all? :?

You need to get a chain ring with the same BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter)

Don't know about that chain guide but I'd recommend the Superstar Plasma if you're after a proper chain device for a good price

felix.london

...but don't know what type of BB you have installed or whether the bike has any type of ISCG mounts though.

Sniper34d

A quick google search suggests this is the BB http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... om_Bracket

felix.london

Sniper34d wrote:

A quick google search suggests this is the BB http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... om_Bracket

:?: :?:

The Rookie

I doubt very much that is your BB.

No ISCG tabs on Boardmans, so it's BB or tube mount.