Vaughan51

Currently have a Deore 2x11 drive train on my Fargo and the large chain ring is getting pretty worn so am considering going to a 1x11 drive train.

Just wondering if it's simply a case of changing out my worn chain rings and replacing with a single sprocket? Are there any watch out for's?

Or should a person replace the crankset / chainring - for example a GRX 600 40 tooth chain ring with cranks? I don't need new crank arms but would consider it as there wasn't that much difference in price.

Thanks

CrimsonEclipse

Some have a problem with the chain falling off the chain ring.
Solutions include:
Narrow wide chainring (which works for me)
Derailleur with clutch (helps for MTB)
Chain guide (helps for MTB)

Also depends if you think you need range by going larger on the cassette (like 50T) then you might need a new rear derailleur.

That's it, enjoy

KerryIrons

How many miles on this "pretty worn" chain ring? Lots of people mistake the tooth profiles that are there to improve shifting for a worn chain ring.

delbiker1 

I did a 1X with a 5750 crank set, just had to buy single ring bolts. I did have the chain drop a couple of times, but that has not happened since acquiring a narrow wide ring. I am using bar end levers in friction mode, 44t front and 11-34 rear that is now 12 speed. The 6400 levers and 5700 short cage r der shift great through all 12.

veganbikes

Basically yes, if things are worn out you can just swap to a different ring. I would recommend a narrow wide or 1x specific chainring as it will help keep the chain on. Not strictly needed but handy and really won't cost a lot extra if that is a concern. A RaceFace N/W ring isn't super expensive and works really well and looks good or Wolf Tooth makes some really nice stuff here in 'Murica or there are plenty of other great options from Shimano, SRAM and many others.

Trakhak

As KerryIrons pointed out correctly in post 3, chances are that the big ring isn't significantly worn. This is probably another instance of someone suddenly noticing the deliberately uneven heights of the chainring teeth (designed to facilitate smooth shifting from the small ring) and jumping to the conclusion that the ring is worn. (I'm a little surprised that the bike store guy who replied didn't realize that.)

To the OP: before you buy anything, go to a bike store and look at the big ring on the new road bikes on display. They're almost certainly going to look exactly like your big ring.

Vaughan51

I've got around 12-15,000 km on the chain rings. I did change out the cassette earlier this year - just in case you are wondering and went to a 11 speed cassette at that time.

Some of the teeth seem quite "pointed" for lack of a better term.

I was actually thinking of pulling the crank arm / chain ring off the bike and take it with me when I go into town and get a specific 1x chain ring. I'm not that mechanically inclined and I've wasted a few bucks on the wrong thing in the past.

But these forums have really helped both knowledge wise and in the wallet - hence the questions.

Trakhak

That's not a lot of riding distance for chainrings. That "some" of the teeth seem "quite pointed" is evidence that they were manufactured that way. One thing that can be stated pretty categorically about chainrings is that the teeth do not wear unevenly.

If you're determined to convert to a 1x, have at it. But your current rings are almost certainly good for many thousands of kms as is.

maddog34

Ask for a "Narrow-wide" 11 speed Chainring.. they will do a great job of keeping your chain in place.... someone might give you a Single Speed ring if you ask for a "1x chainring".. the single speed rings for road bikes can be for a wider 1/8" chain.

squirtdad

note that going 1/11 will give you less range of gears than you currently have.

to go to 1x11 and a huge range you would need to get a new derailler and cassetteand the big range cassettes are a lot more cash

not sure if this is a concern or not

Vaughan51

The big driver for the switch is for reliability. Where I ride (foothills of the Rockies) I'm often 30 km or more from the nearest town and seldom travelled roads so I'm doing a long walk to get where I can hitch a ride if need be. (only had to do that 2x so far in the last 3 years). That said I'm putting the project on hold given both the chain, and cassette are "new" this year so as you mention why spend the cash.

Trakhak

For reliability? If anything happens to a front derailleur (e.g., broken cable, failure of a brake/shifter mechanism), you'll be riding a 1x setup on your way home. Almost never a big deal. Failure of the rear derailleur system can be quite a problem in comparison.