Upgrading from 3x9 to 1x10 - Advice

XTC2009
XTC2009 Posts: 115
edited March 2016 in MTB workshop & tech
I am upgrading the worn out 3x9 setup on my 26” MTB with a new 1x10 setup, but I’m not quite sure what size chainring to go for. I currently have a 44/32/22 triple with an 9-speed 11-34 cassette. My new cassette will be 10-speed 11-36. My local riding is generally flat, with only a few really steep hills. I also ride Cannock Chase and am entering my first MTB Marathon for three years this summer in Oxfordshire. Would a 36 chainring be sufficient? Or would I need a 34 or smaller for when the going gets steep? I’m happy to experiment, as chainrings don’t cost too much so I can swap and change until I find what suits, but any advice for a starting point would be great.
Wobbly Cyclist

Comments

  • FishFish
    FishFish Posts: 2,152
    I have 32, 34, 36 and 38 and just change them around. A lot of my biking is flat so I rarely use the 32. If you are getting a bash guard then match it to the biggest chainring. Make sure the colour red predominates or you will go slower.
    ...take your pickelf on your holibobs.... :D

    jeez :roll:
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    I would say go for a 34, 36 and change them around depending on the course or place your riding.

    On my hard tail bike I recently switched to 1x10 and have gone for a 34 with a 11-36 cassette.

    Have you already bought the 10spd kit as CRC have bundle deals for the cassette, chain, shifter, rear derailleur and front chain ring http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shim ... prod126347
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    I'd say that for the climbs at Cannock you would want a 34, I ride 1x9 and use a 32/34 lowest gear and that's just about comfortable.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    If its the same MTB marathon im doing in Wantage id go the 34, there are some fun climbs from what I have seen. Still not sure which bike im taking for that yet either!

    If it helps I know Superstar components and PlanetX have single rings reduced at the moment which is always nice.
    Titanium Px Spitfire
    Easty commuter
    Tripster AT
  • XTC2009
    XTC2009 Posts: 115
    Yep, I am aiming for Wantage. I'm coming back from injury, so I don't have the legs for steep hills at the moment but I'm planning on a lot of climbing in the meantime to build myself back up. 34 looks good then. I'm getting a new crankset which comes with a 36 as standard from CRC, so I'll have that to try too. I doubt I'll find a 34 too small though! I've seen some really small grannies on the latest bikes (2x10 or 2x11) paired up with some massive cassettes. A lots changed in the last three years since I was last on the MTB regularly, so the choice is all a bit confusing! I'm going for simplicity though, so a 1x setup will fit the bill for me.
    Wobbly Cyclist
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    It has changed a lot, if you still find the going tough with a 34T theres always the option of an expander ring on the rear im running a 2X10 with a 40T rear now so theres always options.
    Titanium Px Spitfire
    Easty commuter
    Tripster AT
  • XTC2009
    XTC2009 Posts: 115
    There are expander rings now? That's one for Google. Next you guys will be telling me that everyone rides with bigger wheels now too! :lol:
    Wobbly Cyclist
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    There is also the sun race 10spd 11-42 cassette that you could fit this would give extra range of gears.

    superstar are doing an offer on uk made stuff so you could try a 32, 34 rings and find what's best for you.

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