My 3x is a 22-32-44. I don’t use the 44 often so I decided to remove it and see if I like riding a 2x. The conversion is easy to do, and easy to undo.
What’s needed :
- tools to remove and reinstall chain and crank
- tools to remove and reinstall chainring bolts
- one set of short chainring bolts (for a 1x)
Process :
- Remove crank from bike. Remove chainring bolts. Remove big ring.
- Install new chainring bolts with middle ring only. Reinstall crank.
- Adjust front derailleur stop-screw to avoid pushing chain towards a big ring that isn’t there anymore. Note : there’s no need to lower the derailleur, it works fine where it is.
What’s it like to ride ? So far I ride the 32 like a 1x, changing up and down the whole cassette. But on a hill climb I drop to the small ring and use the three or four lowest cassette gears.
What I like about it : The setup looks neat and shifting is simpler.
What I don’t like about it : As a 1x the chain has poor alignment on the highest and lowest cassette gears. This may mean increased wear and something to keep an eye on.
Conclusion : The bike looks less cluttered, gear shifting requires less thought, and I haven’t lost any important gears. I think this conversion could be a real improvement.
However, a genuine 1x or 2x from Shimano or Sram actually has teeth and chain designed to deal with poor alignment, so while this conversion is great it may not be permanent.
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