bald1der

I got a hold of a Shimano Deore XT 11 Speed shifter and Derailleur. Wanting to go with a 1X HG Shimano Crankset. All I'm finding are 12 speed cranksets. Can I run a 12 speed Crankset with an 11 speed chain? Might I have to change out the chainring? Going 11 speed instead of 12 so I don't have to chance my rear wheel for the micro spline.

Wileyrat

I’m running an Nx eagle crankset with an Nx derailleur and shifter. SRAM lists the crankset as 11/12 compatible. I’m also running an 11 speed Kmc chain, and a Shimano Slx 11/46 cassette without any problems at all.

I would assume it would work fine for you, but I would check the specs on the crankset you’re looking at first.

Kapusta

In general, an 11 speed chain will work with a 12 speed ring.

The only issue I am aware of for sure that may be relevant is that 12 speed Shimano chains need a 12 speed Shimano chainring (or one listed as compatible). I am not certain about whether the Shimano 12 sp ring cares about the chain, though.

In any event, I am certain a non-Shimano 11 or 12 speed ring will work.

You may have already considered, this, but it is possible to convert most 2x and 3x cranks to 1x.

bald1der

Thanks, and yes I've considered that I might have to change the chainring. I was actually thinking about doing that anyway to a Race Face colored chainring.

Kapusta

If you mean you have considered doing a 1x conversion with a 2x or 3x crank, then yes, you will definitely want a new ring, because you will want a Narrow/Wide ring which are 1x specific.

bald1der

So I totally misunderstood your comment about the chainring change. I was thinking you were saying the 12 speed chainring would need to be changed to run the 11 speed. But on the flip side yes I've heard of changing out the my current 2x setup with a single chainring. To be honest I haven't really looked at doing that with my current setup. My current crank is a square taper and I was changing out for a Hollowtech bottom bracket so a new crank will be needed anyway.