Bicycle Mechanics - Removing Inner Rings from Triple Crankset (Shimano Deore LX FC M582)

I'm converting my trek 520 to a single speed and I want to use the existing mountain crankset I have on it. I have a Shimano Deore LX FC M582 triple. I want to remove the two inner rings and only use the 44t big chainring. However, I noticed that the middle ring is attached to the crankarms with the same chainring bolts as the large ring. If I remove the middle ring will I need new, shorter chaingring bolts in order to secure the large outer ring to the crank arms -- or will the exisiting ones work? Or worse, am I screwed all together and can't remove the inner rings at all?

Here's the link to the model of crankset I have:

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=90630-Shimano+Lx+Fc+m582+Crankset

You can fit a spacer(4) the same thickness as a chainring and use the same bolts.
for chainline the 44T should be in the middle.. the line to run to the center of the rear cluster
between #4&5 of 9..

You can fit a spacer(4) the same thickness as a chainring and use the same bolts.
for chainline the 44T should be in the middle.. the line to run to the center of the rear cluster
between #4&5 of 9..

Thanks, so are you saying that in fact, I can't use the outer ring in its current position to run a SS setup? even if I get a conversion kit for my rear cassette that allows me to adjust the chainline with different sized spacers?

I'm converting my trek 520 to a single speed and I want to use the existing mountain crankset I have on it. I have a Shimano Deore LX FC M582 triple. I want to remove the two inner rings and only use the 44t big chainring. However, I noticed that the middle ring is attached to the crankarms with the same chainring bolts as the large ring. If I remove the middle ring will I need new, shorter chaingring bolts in order to secure the large outer ring to the crank arms -- or will the exisiting ones work? Or worse, am I screwed all together and can't remove the inner rings at all?

Here's the link to the model of crankset I have:

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=90630-Shimano+Lx+Fc+m582+Crankset

I would go to the LBS and ask for a set of single-speed (sometimes called "BMX") chain ring bolts. To put the chain in the middle of the cassette, it may be necessary to mount the 44 on the middle position (assuming it clears the chainstay).

Are you also removing the rear derailleur and using just a single cog on the cassette,
IE a single speed only?

there are a real number of advantages in wheel strength to just getting the wheel built around a single freewheel hub.