Originally Posted by
marcsp
Want to convert my 3x MTB to 1x for simplicity and aesthetic reasons.
Some assumption/context first:
> Primarily ride on dry paved trail / gravel / fire roads (mostly flat). No single track or downhill.
> My current 3x set-up provides a sufficient gear range.
> I have a flexible budget.
Using
BikeCalc.com - Bicycle Gear Ratio Chart, my current/proposed gear set-up are as follows:
3x (22-32-44T crank | 11/32T cassette) Gear ratio range = 0.70 - 4.00
1x (44T crank with 11/50T cassette) Gear ratio range = 0.90 - 4.00
I would be setting us the 1x using the "shark" by
OneUp Components - The mountain bike drivetrain specialists.
Does this set-up and math work out and -- most importantly --
will there really be much of a real-world difference between the .70 and .90 granny gear?
Do you really use the full range of your gearing if you live in a mostly flat area?
When I did my swap, I just kept the middle 32t up front and the the 11-36 cassette that came on my bike. Pretty much just bought one of these and called it a day.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have to hike a bike on occasion, but those are only on long steep or technical inclines.