anybody have experience with a 1 front - 9 rear setup?

I want to use a 9 speed cassette in the rear with a 34T or 36T in the front, will rear shifting throw the chain off the front chainring? do i need to use a front derailleur? or a bash guard?

thanks,
Dino
 

colker

Well-known member
I want to use a 9 speed cassette in the rear with a 34T or 36T in the front, will rear shifting throw the chain off the front chainring? do i need to use a front derailleur? or a bash guard?

thanks,
Dino

i don't have actual experience but i am 99% sure you want some kind of chain guide. if i were you i would do a 2 x 8. drivetrain longevity will be much better.
 

rody

Member
Dino,

If you have a very good chainline and do not routinely ride on tough rocky terrain, a 1x9 without any front support/guide is acceptable.

However, if your chainlines sucks or you get into really bumpy (think chain slap terrain) stuff, a chain guide or old front derailleur is nice to have to keep the chain in place.

Some have run the old plastic chain keepers, others put cash into a designated guide like a Rohloff...try it out and see what you need.

cheers,

rody
 
1-9 Setup coming together, untested

Since weight is a major concern this is what I found to keep chain online. N Gear Cyclocross chain deflector on JensenUSA. I will test this out on the inside and a grinded smooth Outer Ring as guide/bashguard on outside.

current drivetrain
XTR M900 Cranks with grinded smooth 44T Outer and a 36T Middle
Dura Ace Ti 9spd 12-21 rear
N GEAR JUMP START CHAIN DEFLECTOR
XO SRAM Derailuer
XO SRAM Twisty 9 spd Shifter

Will let you know when the weather turns if this will hold up over the logs and in the rocks.

HH Cheer,
Dino
 

Zook

Member
I remember David Millar tried to use 1 Big Ring on front without a derailler or chain guide and his chain fell off during the Tour de France Prologue. Blowing his chance for the brief stint in Yellow.
 

lucifer

New member
I tried a 1x7 on mine and it dropped the chain pretty frequently under average mountain biking conditions. You'd need a bashguard and a jump stop to make it 100% reliable.
 

Bssc

New member
A front der does not weigh/cost much, as a professional I suggest you install one to keep the chain on.
 
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