mattm0805

I just picked up a Jamis FS Frame and I going to do a build up with the components off of my Specialized bike. Also, I just bought a Bontrager Race lite wheel set that I'm excited about and I'm slowly upgrading each component....I'm really enjoying doing all the work myself!

Anyways, I've been thinking about converting my triple crankset to a single. I never shift my FD when I ride, so my philosophy is "if I dont use it...its got go".

What do I need to make this conversion work? Is it as simple as removing the chainrings that I dont want? I know that I need a Chain guide. Which one should I get and is that all I need?

any help is greatly appreciated!

crazyotte

Easiest- Bash and JumpStop.
Bash/Chain guide combo
Buy a single crank

Shorten your chain. If having problems with it falling off the chainring, maybe get a DH or SS chainring.

3speed

I just don't use my small or large chain-rings. I took the FD off. I figure the large ring keeps the chain on better, and the small ring I just don't bother to take off, and have switched onto it manually a new times for really steep climbs when I'm getting really tired. No problems with the chain coming off, though.

mattm0805

Hey Crazyotte, any suggestions on the single crank?? which to buy?

Terrapin Ben

why do you need to buy a single crank? what are the pros of using a single crank vs a triple crank with a non ramped chain ring?

crazyotte

I would definitely just convert a nice triple.

mattm0805

Not sure, I'm just inquiring. I assuming that I can just remove the two smallest chain rings? One of the reasons for this idea is to lose some weight....so if all I have to do is remove the rings, then great!

3speed

You'll lose more weight by riding more.

What size are you rings, though? If you just remove the two smallest, will you still be geared properly to climb? Most people remove the largest and smallest. This also maintains a better chain-line. If you use the outermost chain-ring only, you'll have a really poor chain-line when you're in the easier gears.

mattm0805

good point. come to think of it....The center ring makes the most sense, and its the one that I use. My Chain rings are 42, 32, 22. Normally when I ride, I typically stay within about 3-4 gears in the rear and stay in the center ring on the front. When I climb I use a lot of leg power....not sure why, its just what Im use to.

Svr

As long as you've got a 104/64 crank, get yourself a 104mm BBG bashguard and 64mm inner guide.

https://www.bbgbashguard.com/Mountainbike.html

mattm0805

How would I determine if I have a 104/64 crank?? sorry for the novice question.

Svr

BCD - bolt circle diameter

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html

mattm0805

Thanks for the info!

roastbeef

my bike was originally set up as a 2x9, but had a chain guide and bash guard. i pulled the front derailleur and shifter off, shortened up the chain, and left both chainrings. 99% of the time this set up is perfect, but for that 1%, your foot makes a pretty nice derailleur too.

Fairmont

Son of a Gun! You bought it!

I saw that same frame (if it's the one I'm thinking of) on Craigslist for about 175 or so. Seemed like a good deal. Should have grabbed it. Poop!

Well, have fun with it and good luck.

mattm0805

hahaha! Yeah, I thought is was a good deal and snapped it up for $180....frame is in excellent condition with a Fox float rear shock. Crazy that this size (19") frame popped up on Craigslist. I've been looking for a frame for a very long time and when one does appear, its always too small for me.

I'm planning on starting the build-up today....I'll post a photo of the finished product.

ed 

mattm0805

Very nice chelboed! I just checked out the Blackspire stuff...what do you have on the outer side for a guide?

ed 

Run of the mill bash ring. I've gone through several bashes. I don't really bash them. I never go over a log that I can't hop or get over w/o smacking the bash...yet they end up cracking somehow. BBG make a killer simple aluminum bash that resembles a disc rotor. I've got one on the Komodo. Highly recommend it over any OEM or e13 bash.

noodle

I contemplated 1x9 (~97% of the time I'm in the middle ring- mostly drop to small ring for steep and longggg hill climbs when I'd typically run outta juice on a 29er turning 22 34) but decided to stick with a bit different 94/58 3x9 setup (38/32/20, 11/34 cassette). I can get over larger obstacles than with a 44 big ring and still have enough teeth to haul arse when on long flats. I'm not as concerned about weight on this ride because it is dual suspension. My cronies tell me get a single speed and fohgetaboutit and I say no thanks because I prefer riding the big hill climbs instead of walking with THEM

ed 

I really miss running SS, but my knees can't handle it. Big climbs (big for the Midwest) were tough, but doable. We had a hill that was about 1/4mi of 15% grade and we did it like 8 times in a row to "train".

I'm a bigger dude though. Figure 200lbs +32 for a bike and 5 for gear...knees won't handle all the stand'n'honk. 1x9 worked better for me. Smaller dudes (typical bikers) should have no problems though.

endless

(not trying to steal the thread)

I'm also converting and replacing my chainring in the process, i wanted to see if anyone has any experience or opinions on this White Industries chainring/bash guard?

here's the link: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=31103