Originally Posted by
Nobodyetal
Once upon a time I converted my 3x8 into a 1x9.
It worked and I liked it but I don't think I'd buy a 3x9 bike just to turn it into a 1x9 bike.
Might as well just build up a 1x9.
YMMV
+1 Also, 1x8 and/or 1x7. Use a Sugino 103mm square taper track bb and 10 3/8" 'star' washers from any hardware store. 2 on each chainring bolt to take up the slack of the missing chainring on the driveside crank. Or bite the bullet and get a 100.00USD set of matching Sugino cranks w/a 48t chainring. It's the set-up I have on my fg, but I've used a 48t Rocket Ring(now they're called Origin8...I think)on the 3 1x's I've built up. Presently, I use my loaded multi-geared commuter as a 1x9, but the small chainring is still attached...I just never use it.
Old school road bikes lend themselves really well to this type of conversion as do 90s mtbs. I've done both.
To combat 'chaindrop' get a Paul chainkeeper or use an old front der.