NEWBIE Question: Converting a 3X Drivetrain to 1X

Related:
Question
Chainrings
MOTOX331
Profile picture for user MOTOX331
Posts
4
Joined
8/6/2018
Location
South Elgin, IL US
MOTOX331
Edited Date/Time 8/7/2018 11:27am
Hello Everyone! My name is Jeff and I'm just getting serious into the MTB world to supplement my MX and off trail snowmobile riding. I just bought a Specialized pitch last year and I am trying to upgrade it some. I have already ordered a dropper post, pedals and a new Raidon fork to replace the horrible xct that comes with the bike. I would like to go to a 1X drivetrain for simplicity. Is it possible to just replace the 3X to a 1X up front but keep the same rear derailer and cassette? I am trying to just make this a great bike to learn on for now but want something reliable that can take a beating without breaking the bank. If I can keep the back of the bike stock, what would be a good size front sprocket to run? Any kits worth getting? Thanks for the help!
|
Big Bird
Profile picture for user Big Bird
Posts
2314
Joined
2/1/2011
Location
Oceano, CA US
Big Bird 8/6/2018 6:54pm
8/6/2018 6:54pm
Converting the front is relatively simple, just remove the three old ones and put a narrow wide chainring in the middle position. You might need some BMX style narrow bolt and nut set to get it tight. But a clutch derailleur is kind of necessary in the back to keep the chain from bouncing of the front. The other option would be to run a chain guide in the front with a standard chain ring.
SharpieMTB
Profile picture for user SharpieMTB
Posts
230
Joined
11/10/2010
Location
Boiling Springs, PA US
SharpieMTB 8/7/2018 2:02pm
8/7/2018 2:02pm
MOTOX331 wrote:
Hello Everyone! My name is Jeff and I'm just getting serious into the MTB world to supplement my MX and off trail snowmobile riding. I just...
Hello Everyone! My name is Jeff and I'm just getting serious into the MTB world to supplement my MX and off trail snowmobile riding. I just bought a Specialized pitch last year and I am trying to upgrade it some. I have already ordered a dropper post, pedals and a new Raidon fork to replace the horrible xct that comes with the bike. I would like to go to a 1X drivetrain for simplicity. Is it possible to just replace the 3X to a 1X up front but keep the same rear derailer and cassette? I am trying to just make this a great bike to learn on for now but want something reliable that can take a beating without breaking the bank. If I can keep the back of the bike stock, what would be a good size front sprocket to run? Any kits worth getting? Thanks for the help!
maybe a new cassette as well depending on your riding. go somewhere from a 30t, 32t, or 34t front cog depending on your cassette.

This also depends on your trails, are they fast easy climbs, or is it short steep climbs and slower descents? just dirt road rides?
MOTOX331
Profile picture for user MOTOX331
Posts
4
Joined
8/6/2018
Location
South Elgin, IL US
MOTOX331 8/8/2018 6:00am
8/8/2018 6:00am
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a dirt jumper style of bike.
SharpieMTB
Profile picture for user SharpieMTB
Posts
230
Joined
11/10/2010
Location
Boiling Springs, PA US
SharpieMTB 8/8/2018 11:40am
8/8/2018 11:40am
MOTOX331 wrote:
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a...
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a dirt jumper style of bike.
get a shimano slx 42t/40t-11t rear cassette. Go 32t front chainring (narrow wide style). should be enough range to maintain climbs and also a little top end speed.

you'll probably have to get a new derailluer (with a clutch) and chain also.
MOTOX331
Profile picture for user MOTOX331
Posts
4
Joined
8/6/2018
Location
South Elgin, IL US
MOTOX331 8/8/2018 12:01pm
8/8/2018 12:01pm
MOTOX331 wrote:
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a...
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a dirt jumper style of bike.
SharpieMTB wrote:
get a shimano slx 42t/40t-11t rear cassette. Go 32t front chainring (narrow wide style). should be enough range to maintain climbs and also a little top...
get a shimano slx 42t/40t-11t rear cassette. Go 32t front chainring (narrow wide style). should be enough range to maintain climbs and also a little top end speed.

you'll probably have to get a new derailluer (with a clutch) and chain also.
Thank you so much! Thats the exact info I was looking for!
SharpieMTB
Profile picture for user SharpieMTB
Posts
230
Joined
11/10/2010
Location
Boiling Springs, PA US
SharpieMTB 8/8/2018 12:11pm
8/8/2018 12:11pm
MOTOX331 wrote:
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a...
I'm in Illinois so its a lot of dirt single track with shorter climbs. I'm trying to turn my pitch into a fun singletrack/ possibly a dirt jumper style of bike.
SharpieMTB wrote:
get a shimano slx 42t/40t-11t rear cassette. Go 32t front chainring (narrow wide style). should be enough range to maintain climbs and also a little top...
get a shimano slx 42t/40t-11t rear cassette. Go 32t front chainring (narrow wide style). should be enough range to maintain climbs and also a little top end speed.

you'll probably have to get a new derailluer (with a clutch) and chain also.
MOTOX331 wrote:
Thank you so much! Thats the exact info I was looking for!
10 and 9 speed cassettes should be the same width, just double check that though. They just went with smaller spacing between cogs and a thinner chain i believe. Check the derailluer before you order that its compatible with the size of the rear cassette. Itll have to a long cage derailluer i believe. 10 speed was a bit all over the place at one point.

Post a reply to: NEWBIE Question: Converting a 3X Drivetrain to 1X