Cyclocross - In need of 1x10 advice: keeping chain on front cog

Hi there...
This is my first post, apologies for making it one in which I need advice. I put together a "dream" 'cross bike with what was left of my funds from working before starting grad school. It's a Surly Cross Check set up as a single speed 44x17. Here are the stats for those who care:

Frame: Cross-check... gray, 61cm
Headset: Chris King, blue
Fork: cross check
Front/Rear Derailleurs: None
Brake Levers: Cane Creek scr-5
Chain: SRAM
Brakes: TRP Carbon
Crankset: Sram Rival 175
Front Cog: 44T Salsa
Rear Cog: 17T
Seatpost: Deda Elementi Zero 100
Saddle: Fizik Arione blue
Handlebar: Salsa Bell Lap
Tape: Brooks Dark Brown
Stem: 110mm Deda Zero 100
Rims: Salsa Delgado Cross
Hubs: Chris King Cross Blue
Tires: commuting = Conti ultra gatorskins 25mm... Off-road/cross = 35mm hutchinson bulldog cx
Pedals: Time ATAC

Hopefully the pictures get up alright...

In any case... my question is such: What should I procure for the big cog in order to ensure I don't have chain slippage. I know people put on a bashgaurd, where bbg bashgaurds seem popular here. Is there anything else I should get if I put on a sram rival 10spd in the back?

Also, I should say the reason for doing this is that the Ithaca, NY hills are kinda kicking my ass... good training though... plus 1x10 might help if I get my act together and race cross this year (for the first time)

And for logistics... Although I have not made measurements it seems that the perfectly straight chain line from the big ring lies more or less in the middle of the cassette as it is currently set up.

Thanks in advance,
Bryan

I really don't understand your question? The big cog in the back? Why would you be getting any slippage there?

Ok I reread your post, you are talking about the single chain ring right? Cogs are in back chain rings are up front. There are a few options.

Expensive:

go here and get a chain guard: http://cyclocrossworld.stores.yahoo.net/chainrings.html

Cheap:

Grind the teeth off of an old worn out ring to use as a chain guard. Either do two rings or one for the outside and get a dog fang for the inside

Middle of the road:

If you already have a front dérailleur then just use that and use the set screws to adjust it so there is no rub on the small and the big cog. Drop it down really low.

bashguard on the outside, and a 3rd eye chain watcher or deda dog fang on the inside (mounted on the seattube).

Pardon the hi-jack;

Can all 10 gears be used on a 1 x 10 set-up? Does the cross-chain rule apply?

Michael

yes they can and cross chaining really causes two different problems.

one is when the chain rubs the front derailleur. this has gotten less common with modern equipment and is no problem at all on a 1x10 without a front derailleur.

the other is the lower efficiency due to having the chain at a wide angle. this can be mitigated by lining the chainring up with the middle of the cassette, or with the cog you're going to spend most of your time using.

to the op, no matter what setup you choose, put some practice into putting the bike down gently and smoothly. slamming the bike down and bouncing the chain will drop it on just about any setup.

i bent my third-eye to the outside with a pair of needle nose pliers so that it acts like a front derailler. it took like 3 hours of adjustments and fine tuning to get it right so that I can use just the modified third eye with no ring guard.

i bent my third-eye to the outside with a pair of needle nose pliers so that it acts like a front derailler. it took like 3 hours of adjustments and fine tuning to get it right so that I can use just the modified third eye with no ring guard.

do you think you could post a picture of that min?

Yeah I can't visualize that either.

Sorry, off-topic. Bryan, sweet bike. I have a cross-check in the same rad grey color. Your bar tape is pretty cool. Is it Brooks?

EDIT: Ha, guess I should have read your original post. Still, cool bike.

to the op, no matter what setup you choose, put some practice into putting the bike down gently and smoothly. slamming the bike down and bouncing the chain will drop it on just about any setup. So true but sometimes easier done than said - especially when you're 40 minutes into a 45 minute race, completed 20 steep run-ups, did countless number of barrier jumps, getting lapped and asking yourself "why am I doing this?". (Oh fond memories of my first race). :(

+1 on the 3rd eye and chainguard/bashguard. I used a 1X10 setup for 1/2 a season last year with this setup and only threw my chain once.

I used a 1X10 setup for 1/2 a season last year with this setup and only threw my chain once.

Saddlebags, which half of the season? ie, did you migrate to or away from a single up front?

I was so amazed by your selection of components that I forgot what question you were trying ask.

Saddlebags, which half of the season? ie, did you migrate to or away from a single up front?
I moved to the double up front towards the 2nd half. More races (and long training rides) in the latter part of the season had long flats and more pavement where I could push a lower gear. Moved from 42 to a 46/36.

Just a note, non ramped and pinned chainrings are cheap at Jenson: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CG408A09-Sugino+130J+Chainring.aspx

I'm using the 42t with a BBG bash guard and little plastic chainwatcher I had lying around. I played around with makeshift solutions but in the end decided it was best to spend the 40 bucks to do it right and never have to worry about chain dropping.

Here is a picture of my setup on my Cross Check


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/2435245563_fef53697a1.jpg

I ran a 1x10 setup all last season and didn't drop a chain any more or less frequently than anyone else. I actually ran mine without a front derailleur or a dog fang.

You should definitely race cross this year! There are two awesome races in Ithaca every season. I strongly recommend Swandrome Cyclocross in two weeks. It's a simple course, perfect for a first race. In fact, since it's the first race of the season, there are a bunch of rookies out there. Should make it nice for you. Plus, registration is cheap. Do it, or PM me for more info and some people to meet up with if you choose to go.

Cheers!
I think I will try the first race! I'll send you a message if I have any questions.
Bryan