Cyclocross - converting a stock 2x9 to a 1x9 'cross monster

I bought my 1st 'cross bike last month. It's a Motobecane Fantom CX. I removed the front derailleur and shifter cable. I'm gonna replace the 36/50T chainrings with a 42T. What chainring do you recommend? I know I don't need one with ramps/pins. Now for the 'cross guards. Is it best to have one on each side? Or does that come down to personal preference? I'll appreciate your comments and/or expertise.:thumb:

Last season I used a standard Sugino 42t chainring, a Salsa Crossing Guard on the outside, and an N-Gear Jump Stop on the inside. No problems.

I'm going to order 2 superlight guards from BBG and use them on either side. This will be cheaper too.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/

I'm going to order 2 superlight guards from BBG and use them on either side. This will be cheaper too.

http://www.bbgbashguard.com/


Cynikal, I'm sure you know this but I'll put it up as general information...

...when making a chainring sandwich, make sure your bolts are long enough, and they have spacers...

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/cyclocrossworld_2008_3132269

I was wondering about that. Is there a certain mm of stack bolts I need to find?

This thread interests me too. I wanna go 1 x 9. Do you guys run the bashguard in the big ring position? (noooobie).

Yep and one spaced out to the inside.

I was wondering about that. Is there a certain mm of stack bolts I need to find?


I think they are 15mm. I overpaid for mine at CXworld. (http://cyclocrossworld.stores.yahoo.net/sinrinbolset.html) I'll measure and report back if they aren't 15mm.

From outside to inside, I'm running guard in the big ring spot, chainring on the inside spot, spacers, then inside guard. Just barely clears the chainstays. :)

Ok. I think I'm going to run a bash in the big ring spot, chainring in the little ring spot, and an n-gear jump stop. Good enough?

(Sorry for the thread jack).

I was going to purchase 2 Salsa Crossing Guards, but that's like $80, minus shipping and/or tax. I'm gonna order some from BBG. I thought you can only use chain retention rings for this setup. But I guess a bash guard is suggested too. Thanks guys.

Ok. I think I'm going to run a bash in the big ring spot, chainring in the little ring spot, and an n-gear jump stop. Good enough?That's what I ran last season, no dropped chains. I also made the chain as short as possible, I think that helps keep it on the ring.

I was going to purchase 2 Salsa Crossing Guards, but that's like $80, minus shipping and/or tax. I'm gonna order some from BBG. I thought you can only use chain retention rings for this setup. But I guess a bash guard is suggested too. Thanks guys.

I'm using two BBG "bashguards" with no ill effects. I'm not sure what the real difference is between a true bashguard and a chainguard is, maybe thickness and ability to take a hit. My BBGs are plenty light, and not that thick, and the whole set of two guards and bolt kit cost what one Salsa would cost.

one other thing to remember. none of these setups are idiot proof.

i have a teammate who ran a single ring, outer bashguard and inner jump stop and still threw his chain in about half his races last season. not because it was a bad setup, but because he didn't know how to put his bike down.

singlespeed, however, is idiot proof.

singlespeed, however, is idiot proof.Nope.

Also remember, as soon as you build something "idiotproof" somebody builds a better idiot.

+1 Hahahaha

I've run my 1x9 CrossCheck a few thousand KM with 34 t chainring and 11-34 cassette;
Salsa Ringdinger on the outside and Dog fang on the inside. While I don't race; i do ride
year around in all sorts of conditions and dirt/gravel roads, plus an occasional dirt trail
or across a field. Cannot recall the last time I dropped the chain.