


Current drive train is a 1996 Shimano STX 3 x 7 speed on a Shimano Acera X rear free hub (i think). Im looking to do my first conversion to 1×10. This is my first time servicing and restoring a bike, so bear with me.
From my understanding, the easiest thing i could do is buy an entire 1×10/11 groupset, ive been looking a the Shimano Deore M5100.
Bike is a 1994 Giant ATX 870
there are some things I believe i have to consider:
-
Frame width. I believe, based on research, 135mm OLD is the frame width im looking for, which will mostly be dependent on the hub.
-
Free hub compatability. I need a longer freehub to accommodate 10s or 11s. Where im struggling is, do i completely replace the wheelset? Ive seen freehub only conversions on these… ideally i would like to go thay route to keep the original wheels, but finding parts may be tricky.
-
Crankset. What all needs to be replaced? I know its a square taper, does this stay if I upgrade to the M5100 or similar? I assume a 42T chainring would be OK.
Any other recommendations to make this build easier, let me know!
by GXUnderlord
4 Comments
Deore 5100 is mostly compatible with what you have, the only problem is the 7 speed hub. Shimano HG mtb freehubs are (mostly) intercompatible, with the exception of 7 speed hubs, as [Sheldon Brown explains.](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html#bodycompat)
It’s worth it to check the dimensions of your freehub body to be sure of this. If it is a 7 speed only hub, you’d have to replace the rear hub.
Otherwise you’d just swap the chain, cassette, derailleur and bolt on a new narrow-wide chainring replacing the current middle one. That should keep the chainline ok, but results may vary,
Check if the desired 42T chainring would fit the frame on the correct chain line.
I recommend “[Dead simple One-by conversions](https://mattias.bike/2022/dead-simple-one-by-conversions/)”
Been there, done that. Kept the crankset, of course. Microshift Advent CS-H093A (9s), Deckas-NW chainwheel, derailleur extender. Don’t forget the new chainwheel screws.
I did something similar to this in a Nakamura Ecko that my daughter is riding.
The rear wheel had to be replaced for the larger HG freehub. Then it was just a question of mounting the cassette and derailleur, threading the chain, and putting on a 1x crankset with a wide narrow chainring.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Hardtailgang/comments/1mitmb5/ridiculous_nakamura_ecko_upgrade_for_my_daughter/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Hardtailgang/comments/1mitmb5/ridiculous_nakamura_ecko_upgrade_for_my_daughter/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
Definitely check the clearance for a 1x chainring to make sure it doesn’t rub on the chainstay.
That is a 36t crankset on a size small 26er.