Shimano XT Triple Chainset - conversion to single ring

Alan P

Can anybody give me any advice please on possibly converting a Shimano XT Chainset into a single ring with a wide/narrow chainring? Is it possible or do I need to buy new crank arms or a new chainring set up? I'm a 3 x 10 set up at the moment, but I want to put a 40 tooth T-Rex on the rear as well.

Thanks

Chunkers1980

Yes it's possible.

Obviously if you want NR then you need to buy one. Might just need new bolts to attach it to the middle position on the cranks.

poah

you just need shorter bolts - take off all rings then put the narrow wide in the middle ring position. I run an XT on mine with a 32T raceface NW ring

Alan P

Excellent, thanks guys

The Rookie

I also have an XT crankset converted from triple to single, although I use a bash on mine, single in mid position and bash in the outer, original length bolts as the bash is the same thickness at the mounting as a chainring.

Alan P

Ok, makes sense. Any recommendations for the chainring? I'm looking at a Race Face wide/narrow 34 tooth....would this be a good buy or is there better?

paul.skibum

The chainrings are much of a muchness. I have a Raceface one on the hardtail and a Blackspire on the Bronson and the Blackspire one has threaded holes for the bolts where as the RF one needs the normal two part bolts, which I think comes down to the size of the ring (30T Blackspire)

Chunkers1980

Yep - 30t is a struggle in a 104 BCD.

poah

RF 30t has threaded holes, 32t and above takes single ring bolts

kahunajb

The Superstar chainrings are cheaper which is what I shall be getting.

gregwari

Did the same thing this year

Went from a triple to a double and bash, and then to a single with bash and now just a single!

I've fitted a 30T Raceface ring (as above, it's threaded) which I've been really happy with. I went from a 2x9 to a 1x10, so the increase in cassette teeth and small drop to a 30T ring means I've got enough to clear most of the climbs I ride... those that could do with a 40T on the rear I'll just push up and enjoy the view (there's only a handful).

Instead of fitting with new bolts, I've used these... http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/race ... prod117551.
Not had the chance to try them yet, but it looks ace!

poah

you shouldn't need to use those tabs with the 30t as they are threaded but it does make the spider look more tidy