Figured this is the place to ask, but how difficult is switching a 2x to a 1x for a beginner when it comes to working on bikes? Are the 1x drive train conversion kits on amazon universal for all mountain bikes or would I need to do a ton of research beforehand to see what’s compatible with my bike? Fyi I would’ve left this as a 2x but when I took it in for a tune up the guy at the shop told me that my front derailleur doesn’t work so I have to have it locked onto one of the front gears anyway.
by Fun-Opening-7977
8 Comments
I would say if you want more gearing just get a triple crank set of similar vintage and keep the dual thumbies upfront.
This thing is minty as is and can be a great xbike 🙂
Here is a photo of mine.
https://preview.redd.it/y1t2mtdro76d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bae4e14e5e6e32be21b46d5489d90058ebec3f78
A new front derailleur will be much cheaper a d will maintain a larger gear range than a 1x conversion. And it’s much more beginner friendly
are the current parts Shimano? I was able to swap out my bike to 1×10 by just sticking with shimano and it was pretty straight forward.
used this kit
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Z3KKZ91?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1&psc=1
+this crankset / bb
https://bikecomponents.ca/products/shimano-deore-11s-1×11-speed-crankset-fc-m5100-with-or-w-o-bb-sm52-deore-bottom-bracket?variant=40763969568926
with that said thought it might be cool to just leave your bike as is maybe. looks pretty cool
Looks like a freewheel on the back (not a cassette), which means you won’t be able to achieve a wide range of gears without having multiple chainrings on the front. If you’re just city riding and not dealing with many hills then that could work fine.
There’s no big secret to going 1x, just get a single chainring (ideally narrow wide) with however many teeth you want and in the same BCD as your crankset and some single speed (less deep) chainring bolts. Done. If you want even cheaper just use one of your existing chainrings on that crankset and get single speed chainring bolts, though I’d expect more chain drops not having a narrow wide chainring. I’d still support getting that derailleur working or replacing it instead of going 1x, but going 1x is both cheap and easy.
I like a cheap deal as much as the next fellow but please do not buy bike parts from Amazon. They are not OK, and good chance they are not the brand printed on them. Safety first and all that.
New front deraillure might set you back $15. Try or a Shimano Altus or step up to Deore at $20. (if compatible)
Watch the Park Tool youtube videos, several, patiently. You’ll pick up the jargon.
Worth knowing that bike is going to be old-school 126mm rear end hub spacing. To go a modern rear wheel with an HG freehub body to do a proper 1x, you’ll have to respace the rear end to atleast 130mm
Just replace the front derailleur. It’s cheaper and cooler and will likely work better.