Cyclocross Magazine

Cyclocross Community, Forums, Classifieds, Photos and Videos

I'm interested in replacing my double chain ring set up with a single (fewer hassles with FD, easier on my brain not to have to think about shifting in front, and heck, the pros are doing this).

 

Here's my question: how exactly do you do this? Is there special single chain ring crankset for CX, or do you use a track/fixie crankset (I'm thinking problems with compatibility of bigger track chainring and smaller 9 or 10 speed cogset). Or do you just remove the smaller ring, FD and shifter cable, and let it go at that?

 

From a previous post you may know that I changed my 36/46 set up to a 36/42. Now I'm thinking just 42, period.... Advice?

Views: 2140

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

You can use a standard road crank. You have two options from there, largely determined by your bike. One is two run a guard/ring/guard or keeper/ring/guard. The double guard is better but many chainstays won't accommodate it. If you get a keeper get either an N-Gear Jump Stop or a K-Edge 'cross specific keeper. I have both keepers and like them equally.

 

Generally people also get a brake lever only hood (or remove the internals from a SRAM shifter) to get some weight savings too.

You can remove the 36, get single speed chain bolts, and trim your FD out to act as a chain keeper.

Or just stay in the 42, but that seems too easy :)
Yes, way too easy. Prefer to have the fun changing everything out! Plus the super cool "I am so good I only need one ring" look to intimidate my (middle-pack, middle-aged) rivals.

In that case, follow Chris's advice.   

 

You will need a 'keeper' for the chain! You can do it a few ways, but the most elegant is the Paul keeper

 

http://www.paulcomp.com/images/ckclampd1full.png

 

not cheap, but worth it. 

 

OR just go 1x1 :-)

 

single 42 is GREAT!! I ride a campy 42 x 10 speed with two levels of cassette...13-29 or 12-32(IRD)...med cage so I can get into the 32...climb hills most try and run! Less issue in the mud  NO FD to curse! Super cool look for a OLD GUY...Add carbon wheels for the bling factor...less is more in cross so have fun..
Two websites 1.http://www.bbgbashguard.com/ and 2. http://www.gvtc.com/~ngear/. Inexpensive but not cheap!  Go to your local shop get a 42 AND a 39 try the 42 and the 39 see which you like better.  As far as cassette I like a 12-26, but I'm not in that great of shape so I run a 39 up front.  Play with set ups till you find that happy medium.

RSS

Sold something in our classifieds? Find this site valuable?

Consider a donation to the cause. We're cheaper than eBay fees, and it helps us here at CXM keep the lights on!

Enter any amount below, and click on the cow for some good karma. Thanks!

Amount:



Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by Cyclocross Magazine.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service