1x10 cx set up advice

Shane Gibson

2013-08-15

Okay ... I've raced a 1x10 for 4 CX seasons so far. Through all of this, I
have learned a LOT of valuable lessons for a 1x setup. First - I heartily
recommend them - though the chain drop issues can be a challenge to sort
out at first.

This year I will be racing CX with a 2x10 setup for the first time. So
catch me after a month or two of CX season, and maybe I'll change my tune.
Maybe not. we'll see.

My thoughts... in no particular order:

* the Paul chainkeeper did NOT work for me - the chain would literally
'catch' on the aluminum of the chainkeeper, and bind up, and then RIP out
of the keeper - on the course, it's impossible to put it back
* I run an MTB SRAM setup, which allows me to mix-n-match the Road/MTB
components (i.e. traditional brifters with SRAM MTB derailleurs)
* for the first 3.5 years, I ran a traditional long cage MTB derailleur
* the last half of last year, I switched to a SRAM Type2 (clutch) based
medium cage
* it made a HUGE difference in keeping the chain tensioned, quiet, and
less chance of dropping
* forget about any stupid finger-like keepers (i.e. the "k-edge" style,
etc...) they're worthless
* I found chain guards on both sides ineffective (without a clutch based
derailleur), as CX courses can be so rough, the chain would bounce *over*
them)
* forget about any DH style roller / chain keeper assemblies - they work
great - but they're so bloody noise and you lose a huge amount of
efficiency from chain drag on the rollers and bash guard keeper edges

I did end up finding an exceptional chain keeper ... which ironically -
mimics a front derailleur. The E-Thirteen XCX worked perfectly for me both
forward and back pedaling, very little issues. Twice I did manage to
derail the chain on the front, both times the keeper fed the chain back on
to the ring. I did NOT derail the chain after switching to the medium
length rear derailleur with the SRAM Type2 clutch. The XCX comes in both a
downtube mounted and BB mounted version.

It's *critical* that you have a good chain line on your single ring up
front. If you don't, you'll have tons and tons of issues like I did. I
typically ran a 44 or 46 ring up front with an 11-36 cassette. Because my
bike frame was designed to accept 2.1" MTB size tires in addition to CX
tires, that large of a ring caused issues with pushing the chain line
outboard. Most CX bikes should have a lot less of an issue, and if you
run a 36 to 40 up front, that will reduce the potential issue...

Once I did have things settled in, I really like the 1x10 setup a lot.
Simple, easy to maintain, worked great once I got over the derailing
issues.

~~shane

--
"...the way you view the world, through the filters of your conditioning
and perceptions,
is neither right nor wrong, it's just your view. Does it serve you, or do
you serve it?"
Chris Joosse

On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 11:20 AM, Erik Voldengen wrote:

> I have followed the chatter about these rings. Last I heard they were
> still in proto phase but would remain unchanged for the production run, and
> they have been run with non-clutch RDs with no problems. Obviously, a
> clutch would help. So would two chain guards ;)
>
>
>
>
> - Erik
>
>
> On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 10:55 AM, anklebiter456 wrote:
>
>> The question is will these work with a road derailleur?
>>
>> Per their website: We always recommend a clutch-type derailleur for
>> best chain retention but many customers have reported great results with
>> standard derailleurs as well.
>>
>> Has anyone tried it with an Apex or Ultegra derailleur. Spendy rings but
>> worth it if that is all you need to run.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* Damian S.
>> *To:* Stewart Campbell ; OBRA chat <
>> obra@list.obra.org>
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 14, 2013 10:31 AM
>> *Subject:* Re: [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice
>>
>> Check out these aftermarket rings. Cross rings are being tested and are
>> getting great reviews. Also, the Paul chain guide works great.
>>
>> http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* Stewart Campbell
>> *To:* OBRA chat
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 14, 2013 12:59 AM
>> *Subject:* [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice
>>
>> So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.
>> I don't have a question about gearing. But my question is chain guides
>> and bash guards. I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there
>> is the elaborate stuff for DH. But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?
>> Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two
>> light weight guards.
>> Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a
>> chain. But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to
>> keep the chain from bouncing off.
>>
>> Any thoughts? Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good
>> advice.
>>
>> -Stewart
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
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>>
>>
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>
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>


Erik Voldengen

2013-08-14

I have followed the chatter about these rings. Last I heard they were
still in proto phase but would remain unchanged for the production run, and
they have been run with non-clutch RDs with no problems. Obviously, a
clutch would help. So would two chain guards ;)

- Erik

On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 10:55 AM, anklebiter456 wrote:

> The question is will these work with a road derailleur?
>
> Per their website: We always recommend a clutch-type derailleur for best
> chain retention but many customers have reported great results with
> standard derailleurs as well.
>
> Has anyone tried it with an Apex or Ultegra derailleur. Spendy rings but
> worth it if that is all you need to run.
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Damian S.
> *To:* Stewart Campbell ; OBRA chat <
> obra@list.obra.org>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 14, 2013 10:31 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice
>
> Check out these aftermarket rings. Cross rings are being tested and are
> getting great reviews. Also, the Paul chain guide works great.
>
> http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Stewart Campbell
> *To:* OBRA chat
> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 14, 2013 12:59 AM
> *Subject:* [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice
>
> So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.
> I don't have a question about gearing. But my question is chain guides
> and bash guards. I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there
> is the elaborate stuff for DH. But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?
> Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two
> light weight guards.
> Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a
> chain. But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to
> keep the chain from bouncing off.
>
> Any thoughts? Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good advice.
>
> -Stewart
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>


anklebiter456

2013-08-14

The question is will these work with a road derailleur? 

Per their website: We always recommend a clutch-type derailleur for best chain retention but many customers have reported great results with standard derailleurs as well.

Has anyone tried it with an Apex or Ultegra derailleur.  Spendy rings but worth it if that is all you need to run.

Thanks,

________________________________
From: Damian S.
To: Stewart Campbell ; OBRA chat
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 10:31 AM
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice

Check out these aftermarket rings.  Cross rings are being tested and are getting great reviews.  Also, the Paul chain guide works great.

http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/

________________________________
From: Stewart Campbell
To: OBRA chat
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 12:59 AM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice

So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.  I don't have a question about gearing.  But my question is chain guides and bash guards.  I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there is the elaborate stuff for DH.  But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?  Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two light weight guards.
Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a chain.  But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to keep the chain from bouncing off.

Any thoughts?  Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good advice.

-Stewart

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Damian S.

2013-08-14

Check out these aftermarket rings.  Cross rings are being tested and are getting great reviews.  Also, the Paul chain guide works great.

http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/

________________________________
From: Stewart Campbell
To: OBRA chat
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 12:59 AM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] 1x10 cx set up advice

So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.  I don't have a question about gearing.  But my question is chain guides and bash guards.  I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there is the elaborate stuff for DH.  But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?  Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two light weight guards.
Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a chain.  But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to keep the chain from bouncing off.

Any thoughts?  Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good advice.

-Stewart

_______________________________________________
OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org


Brooke Hoyer

2013-08-14

Or just get a SRAM 1x11 mtb system. The whole system is designed not to
require guides or watchers.

Still, double guards are the safest option. Chain watchers are there to fix
things *once the chain comes off* the chainring. It's best to prevent the
chain from coming off in the first place.

And to that end, practice putting down your bike gently. And try not to
crash ;-)

On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 8:50 AM, Erik Voldengen wrote:

> I've been running 1x for several years now in CX, and I think it's great.
>
> Dual guards are the best way to prevent chain drops, because you'll often
> loose the chain when you drop it on the ground, or smack your pedal while
> carrying the bike and backpedal. Anything that resembles a front
> derailleur will just guard against loosing your chain pedaling forwards.
>
> This old post may or may not help, too:
>
> http://www.erikv.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/9/6/Single-Chainring-Cyclocross
>
>
>
>
> - Erik
>
>
> On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 12:59 AM, Stewart Campbell <
> stewartcycling@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.
>> I don't have a question about gearing. But my question is chain guides
>> and bash guards. I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there
>> is the elaborate stuff for DH. But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?
>> Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two
>> light weight guards.
>> Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a
>> chain. But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to
>> keep the chain from bouncing off.
>>
>> Any thoughts? Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good
>> advice.
>>
>> -Stewart
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> OBRA mailing list
>> obra@list.obra.org
>> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
>> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>


Erik Voldengen

2013-08-14

I've been running 1x for several years now in CX, and I think it's great.

Dual guards are the best way to prevent chain drops, because you'll often
loose the chain when you drop it on the ground, or smack your pedal while
carrying the bike and backpedal. Anything that resembles a front
derailleur will just guard against loosing your chain pedaling forwards.

This old post may or may not help, too:

http://www.erikv.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/9/6/Single-Chainring-Cyclocross

- Erik

On Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 12:59 AM, Stewart Campbell wrote:

> So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.
> I don't have a question about gearing. But my question is chain guides
> and bash guards. I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there
> is the elaborate stuff for DH. But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?
> Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two
> light weight guards.
> Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a
> chain. But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to
> keep the chain from bouncing off.
>
> Any thoughts? Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good advice.
>
> -Stewart
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org
>
>


Matt Savage

2013-08-14

Don't screw around with bash guards or silly little tooth like chain keeper things, just get an MRP 1x chain guide and call it done. They make them for BB mount and clamp on, high and low.

They don't weigh much and don't collect any more mud than an FD would, but your chain will never come off (if properly setup and maintained).

Sent from Matt Savage's DynaTac 8000X...

On Aug 14, 2013, at 12:59 AM, Stewart Campbell wrote:

> So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season. I don't have a question about gearing. But my question is chain guides and bash guards. I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there is the elaborate stuff for DH. But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard? Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two light weight guards.
> Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a chain. But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to keep the chain from bouncing off.
>
> Any thoughts? Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good advice.
>
> -Stewart
>
> _______________________________________________
> OBRA mailing list
> obra@list.obra.org
> http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
> Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org


Stewart Campbell

2013-08-14

So I'm thinking about converting down to a 1x10 setup for this cx season.  I don't have a question about gearing.  But my question is chain guides and bash guards.  I know that the tensioners are for single speed and there is the elaborate stuff for DH.  But for cx, is a guide needed or a guard?  Now I did see a set up that had the chain ring sandwiched between two light weight guards.
Last year I was running a 2x10 and never bashed my rings or dropped a chain.  But now that I think about it, I guess that the derailleur helps to keep the chain from bouncing off.

Any thoughts?  Shane, if you read this, you've always given me good advice.

-Stewart