1x11 conversion

[ruth:D]

Shimano XT 1 x11 groupset is looking pretty good value on chain reaction at the moment, so thinking of converting from slx 2 x 10.


So, wondering how big a change converting can make, will I miss my precious granny gears?
What's the consensus on teeth number for front, 30 32 34?

[Stephen McMullan]

Hi Ruth,

I have 1 x 10 on the Cotic BFe. 32t (oval btw) narrow wide up front and 11-36 on the back. Works well in the simplicity of the system. On some climbs there's no hiding...you're already in the lowest gear and the only answer is to push harder. Its good for you in the long run :-) Of course having the 11th ring on the back 40t or whatever would sort that. Think if I went for 11 rings on the back then I might chance 34t up front.

On the BigWig I have 2 x 10 26/36t up front and standard 11-36 on the back. Its quite comfortable on the long spins to drop down to the granny and I suddenly realised I missed it :-) However I do find myself unconsciously going back to "single ring mode" and just climbing on the 36t and then wondering why I'm creating a gap with some of the others but all the more tired for it. Guess its good training :-) Probably only getting away with that lark because its a 29er...

[muckwarrior]

My Strive is 34 + 10x42 and am never left wanting on the climbs. That said, the only time I'd ever use top gear is on a road going downhill so I don't think I'd have any spinning out problems with a 32 ring.

Definitely recommend it though. I've never ever dropped a chain.

[simonr]

Bit more way out here!

My 1x11 set up as it came has a 28 (yes twenty eight) at the front which was a real change from 34 on my previous 1x10 and I was highly sceptical.  Standard 10-42T on the back.

I have to say, I've been very pleasantly surprised at the range - the smallest gear is as easy as any granny if you need it. You need to spin a bit on the road, but can get around 40km/h before spinning out, which is more than I'd ever need on a MTB.

Converted!

[muckwarrior]

@simonr I presume yours being a 29er affects the range though? Like a 28 tooth with a 29" wheel is probably similar to a 30 on a 650b. Also, I don't think the range is quite as big on Shimano cassettes. They start at 11 AFAIK.

[simonr]

@muckwarrior yes it does as every wheel turn takes you further, crank length as well is a factor but I've never played with that.

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[krezi]

I have 32 up front with 11-42 at the rear and didn't miss a range so far. It's so much easier with no gear lever on the bar with just a dropper on the left side

[ruth:D]

Thanks for the advice lads. Looks like I'll be joining the converted soon.

[shortcut]

Shimano are bringing out / have brought out an 11-46 cassette.  It is heavier than the world but may be useful if you find yourself without a low enough gear.


I would suggest a 30 ring might make good sense if going for a 42.

[Craigsy]

11 Spd is the business. Simple and functional. Less things to go wrong. I've had no issues yet with mine. Have XT 11-42T out back, with a 34T up front and never left wanting. (on 165mm enduro bike)

Shimano have also brought the 11 Spd group out at SLX level if you want to keep costs down and meant to be just as good.

[Nidge]

I have 30 upfront and 42 out back on the big bike and it's fantastic. It would literally climb a wall. It makes the climb out of ewoks manageable and that says it all !

[Ratz]

I converted my anthem to 1 x 10 but added a 40T to the rear cassette when doing this so you need to remove a mid gear (17T) to fit this in but you don't miss the mid gear but gain a granny gear. I used a 32T chainring. I worked the gear ratios out and in the conversion I just lose the biggest granny gear versus the original 2 x 10. But this means you can keep your current shifter and your 10spd derailleur. It was quite a straight forward DIY conversion. Tune the gears and away you go. Would work out a lot cheaper than the whole 1 x 11 groupset and you are just down 1 granny gear... assuming your current kit is in good condition all you need is hope Chainring 60, hope expander ring 80 = conversion 140. It is a great job. I was thinking of 1*11 but this was a much more cost effective solution.

[BJE]

Hey!


I went down a similar route to Ratz, except I got a whole new cassette instead of an expander cog.


Had 10 speed (11-36) on my Nukeproof Mega for the last few months, with a 30t up front.


Just recently swapped out the cassette for this 10 speed (11-42t) cassette.


Only caveat was I had to change my rear derailleur too, swapping from a short cage to a medium cage to fit it.


Pretty happy so far with the cassette...early days yet though and don't know how long it will last, but should help with the longer, hillier spins! 

[ciarsciars]

Shimano are bringing out / have brought out an 11-46 cassette.  It is heavier than the world but may be useful if you find yourself without a low enough gear.


I would suggest a 30 ring might make good sense if going for a 42.

Keep your existing groupset, just swap front chainrings for a narrow wide 32, assuming you've a 36 on the back you should be fine for most stuff.

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[muckwarrior]

Keep your existing groupset, just swap front chainrings for a narrow wide 32, assuming you've a 36 on the back you should be fine for most stuff.

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Easy for you to say,  Mr Savagey McSavageface



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