Single ring - do I need a chain device??

prb007

About to get a new bike... viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12999880

I already have a new Zee single ring chainset - am I better off running the stock Shimano ring (38T) plus chain device or swapping it to a N/W single ring set-up and ditch (or not actually buy in the first place), the chain device?
Anyone running 1 x 10 on a narrow/wide with no chain device?
Thoughts?

Antm81

Most people don't have any issues without the chain device, especially if they've got a clutch mech. Not run one myself yet but will be in the not too distant future

Dirtydog11

Depends on where you ride ime, if your talking Llandeglaesque type trail centre then probably not, however if your partial to the odd off piste excursion then almost definitely yes (North Wales rider here). It seems narrow wide are not all their cracked up to be, I've seen a few reports of people dropping chains once their narrow wides begin to wear, even Sram suggest in certain circumstances a chain device might be needed in conjunction with their narrow/wide rings.

I run a double and bash on my Five along with a Gamut chain device, I decided it was the way to go after dropping my chain 3 times coming down the Llanberis path, I've not dropped a chain since and that was 2 years ago.

The only thing I would question is your choice of a single 38 ring, I think you may struggle on the climbs, I certainly would. Idealy you want to be running a 32 or as close to that as possible ( must try a 34 on mine) as that's what the bikes designed around, there's an interesting thread over on Singletrack with some nice diagrams that shows how well Orange bikes pedal in the 32t (its all to do with antisquat).

You mention 38t, does that mean your fitting a double crankset, just though I'd mention it as a triple will give you a better chainline?

Edit: scratch that^ just seen your other post it's a Zee with 36t, still think you'd be better off with a 34t though.

If it where mine I'd take a belt and braces approach and fit a 34t along with a chain retention device of some sort, I can't think of a reason not to.

Best of luck with the build.

prb007

Cheers, Dirtydog...lots to digest there. Will check that article over at ST. Diolch...

danchandler

I'd say not. I spent all day hammering round gisburn on my hardtail, I run a zee 36t ring up front with SRAM x5 9 speed on the rear, and I didn't drop a chain all day long, and I rode most of the black route stuff apart from the hope line. Can't see the point in coughing out on a narrow wide and a clutch mech after that

The Rookie

Yet my commuter wouldn't keep the chain on for love nor money, jumped off on almost every shift in the middle of the cassette.

The Northern Monkey

If it had a clutch mech, get a narrow wide and no chain device.
if it doesnt have a clutch mech, you'll need a chain device

Dirtydog11

I'd say not. I spent all day hammering round gisburn on my hardtail

Never dropped the chain on my Maxlight either, my Orange however is a different kind of fruit.

prb007

First ride today, one hour blip around Penhydd and Blue Scar...no issues thus far!

2x10

Im running 34 x 10 with an extender ring (42t) and a clutch rear mech, I started wih a chain device but took it off few months ago, all well so far. Riding Swinley/surrey hills.

njee20

Been on single ring (XX1) for about a year, no guide, never dropped the chain. A couple of friends have done on occasion, seems it varies.

frankspencer1979

Dirtydog11 wrote:

I'd say not. I spent all day hammering round gisburn on my hardtail

njee20 wrote:

Been on single ring (XX1) for about a year, no guide, never dropped the chain. A couple of friends have done on occasion, seems it varies.

To contrast Dirtydog, since going single ring (superstar NW, one up 42t, X9 clutch mech) I've only dropped the chain once and that was at Gisburn (clumsily rattling down the rooty drop before the run through the woods with berms between the stone walls.)

On the other hand I've done "bigger rides" like Helvellyn and Nan bield with no problems at all.

I will be sticking with no device