xxguitarist

I've been riding fixed on the road a lot lately, and I'm thinking of going halfway in that direction on the mountain bike.
At the moment, I have a 2000 Specialized rockhopper comp A1 FS : midrange aluminum hardtail. I like the overall geometry & feel, it's from back when the Rockhopper had similar geometry to the Stumpjumpers. I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds, though. I ride a lot of singletrack & some fireroads. XC type stuff.

I'd be open for buying another frame for this project, also, and building it up from the ground. That said, I don't have a big budget, so all the nice new SS frames are out.

I've been considering a internal geared hub, as well as just using a rear derailleur. Looking for some input here, with an eye on weight, durability, etc. I'd need a chain tensioner if I went with the internal gears most likely, unless I was lucky with the exact spacing of my chainring/cog.

Anybody taken this route? Input?

scrublover

https://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=158959

ed 

Yes, totally. Do a search for 1x9 or 1 x 9, or one by nine.

My 2004 Komodo was a 1x9, my 2005 Komodo was a 1x9 until recently...I'm 2x9, my rigid SS 1998 Komodo is now a 1x9 instead of a SS b/c of my knees and climbing.

The biggest thing with a 1x9 is retaining the chain on the front ring. What works best is a chain guide like DH/FR guys run.

The second best thing IMO (and a lighter way to go) is to use a bash ring on the outside and an inner guide ring like the Blackspire Black guard. (there's one for sale for $15 in the MTB Marketplace, I think) The Blackguard with a bash makes a "chain sandwich" to keep your chain on w/o a full on chain guide. Saves weight too.

A 3rd way to keep the chain on is to use a bash on the outside with some sort of a light weight keeper like the "N-Gear Jumpstop". It's a bit lighter than a Blackguard, but not noticeably different in weight. The downside is that I have ridden with people who have had the chain accidentally get sucked past the jump stop.

Full on chain guide:


Blackspire Blackguard (my favorite for non DH specific applications):





N-Gear Jumpstop:

jimx200

Thanks Chel for the fine photos. Timely as I picked up a 2002 Marin hardtail frame recently and want to run this setup. Since I'm starting from scratch (and could use some help), will any 8 speed cassette work? I have a set of Avid brakes, Rhynolite wheels, and misc parts, but do need a crankset. Do you or others favor any particular crankset for this setup?

ed 

The one-by front end should have no effect on the cassette/rear derailleur system.

Centering your chainline helps though b/c when you're in your highest/lowest cogs, it's best to have the chain in the least "severe" angle as possible.

xxguitarist

Thanks for the pics, everyone.

Am I actually going to save much weight if I wind up having to install the bash guard/chain keeper etc up front?

Anyone use internal geared hubs, or is it basically all the standard rear cassette?

ed 

Some people have gotten by w/o any retention device...but I can't fathom how. They must be riding smooth trails with the prowess of a roadie on gnarly, super-crazy...umm...tarmac.

Dannihilator

Or go ss with horizontal dropouts.

xxguitarist

Considering it, but not sure what is available that is as light or lighter than my Specialized, without costing quite a bit, and has some sort of horizontal dropouts. All the new stuff I imagine is pretty pricey, and the old non-track-end horizontals are probably fairly heavy frames?
Horizontal dropouts would also be ideal if i went for an internal geared hub.