Cork calling...
We've now got a Munster Cyclocross League, and I was intending to do some of the races. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go according to plan (lack of fitness, lack of time, illness), and when I finally looked forward to having some fun in the mud, my bike was no longer up to it. My drive train is quite worn out and I probably need a new rear mech and inner chainring (in addition to chain and cassette). However, I'm still keen to give it a go next winter. Since I've been having problems with the front mech anyway and only really use the small chainring in races, maybe it's time to switch to a single chainring option.
I'd probably need a 40T chainring and a rear mech that can cope with a 32T sprocket.
Any recommendations?
Thanks!
Astrid
Single chainring options
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Astrid Wingler
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andrewnewman
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Re: Single chainring options
Hi Astrid,
Hope all is well in Cork. I think 1x makes a lot of sense for CX. Probably the simplest thing to do would be to buy a SRAM Force or Rival groupset that's intended for that purpose. However, that assumes you're on disc brakes, and I can't remember if that's the case. If not, I did a Shimano budget conversion on one of my road bikes a couple of years ago, and it works just fine. You'll need a single chainring up front with alternating wide and narrow teeth. I got mine from Wolf Tooth components and fit it to a 105 chainset with no problems. In the back you'll want a long cage derailleur to accommodate the 32 tooth sprocket. They now make clutched models at Ultegra level, which would be my preferred option. I just used a regular model, but road bikes have an easier shifting life.
In terms of gearing, there are lots of online ratio calculators. Try this one: http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios That will give you some indication of what chainring/cassette combination will give you a similar low gear to what you're using now. For example, a 40X32 is about the same as 36X29, so likely pretty close to your two ring CX setup.
Good luck. Let us know how it pans out.
Hope all is well in Cork. I think 1x makes a lot of sense for CX. Probably the simplest thing to do would be to buy a SRAM Force or Rival groupset that's intended for that purpose. However, that assumes you're on disc brakes, and I can't remember if that's the case. If not, I did a Shimano budget conversion on one of my road bikes a couple of years ago, and it works just fine. You'll need a single chainring up front with alternating wide and narrow teeth. I got mine from Wolf Tooth components and fit it to a 105 chainset with no problems. In the back you'll want a long cage derailleur to accommodate the 32 tooth sprocket. They now make clutched models at Ultegra level, which would be my preferred option. I just used a regular model, but road bikes have an easier shifting life.
In terms of gearing, there are lots of online ratio calculators. Try this one: http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios That will give you some indication of what chainring/cassette combination will give you a similar low gear to what you're using now. For example, a 40X32 is about the same as 36X29, so likely pretty close to your two ring CX setup.
Good luck. Let us know how it pans out.
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Stuart
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Re: Single chainring options
Swapped my non-clutch Ultegra for an XT when I converted my CX to more of a gravel build - needed a longer cage to cope with 11-42 cassette. XT works very nicely and would recommend it.They now make clutched models at Ultegra level, which would be my preferred option. I just used a regular model, but road bikes have an easier shifting life.
Hello from Girona, Astrid!
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Astrid Wingler
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Re: Single chainring options
Thanks both. I'll have a look what individual components cost compared to a drivetrain groupset. I'm still on cantis...
Our club is organising the Irish cyclocross champs this year, which is quite exciting!
I hope all is good in Crouch End and Girona!
Our club is organising the Irish cyclocross champs this year, which is quite exciting!
I hope all is good in Crouch End and Girona!