Karate Monkey drivetrain question
February 20th, 2006 by Tim GrahlI am purchasing my 1st 29er, Surly KM. I would like to run a 1×9 setup. I am planning on using Truvativ singlespeed cranks. Will I need to use a chainguide system? Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.
– Mike B
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I currently run a 1×8 drivetrain using this setup: 34t Surly ring (nice tall teeth help keep the chain engaged), and an old front derailleur with the limit screws dialed. I don’t have any chain rub, and the derailleur is way cheaper than a chain guide. Make sure the chain is shortened up properly and you shouldn’t have any problems. My chain hasn’t popped off yet!
The suggestion above is excellent. You might also look at “chainwatchers” by Third Eye and Jump Stop, which would keep the chain from falling off on the inboard side, which is the most likely scenario. The Surly ring, or equivalent is highly recommended. Shorten the chain as much as possible. You should be good to go!
I would have to agree with Guitar Ted. I currently am running a 1×8 drivtrain using the Truvativ Stylo SS crankset with a Third Eye chain watcher on my X-cal. Also, my ‘cross bike is setup with a 1×9 and a chain watcher. I have yet to encounter any problems with this application!
I’d definitely recommend retention on both sides of the chain. I’ve had great luck running a 34 or 36t chainring with a N-Gear Jump Stop on the inside, and a bash ring in the big chainring position.
See http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/246/446/1600/unit2-9_chainline.jpg for a pic of my setup.
I may have to respectfully disagree with you guys here. I guess it depends on how crazy you are going to beat the bike around, because I built a 1×8 last December and I don’t run a chain guide per se…I do some pretty gnarly descents (for XC singletrack anyway) with it. I built a Trek 4500 26′er up using hollowtech cranks and I run a 32 tooth middle ring with a bash ring/singlespeed toothless outer ring. Before I had the bash ring on it, I lost the chain off the outside all the time. I installed the ring and I have not had a single problem. I don’t lose the chainring off the inside at all. It is a sweet fix and saves a little weight without all that chain retention stuff. I think it provides a clean looking “single-speed’ish” look as well.
I would try this first before you buy all the chain retention stuff. I bought the ring on eBay for $8. It’s a BBG single speed bash ring.
Just my own experience.
I’d agree with that. Chain drop usually happens toward the outside (if you have reasonable chainline) because there is less tension on the drivetrain due to smaller cogs. When the derailleur is stretched out on a larger cog, you have higher tension and better chain wrap. I’ve never lost my chain either way on my 1×8, primarily becuase of a deep-tooth ring (Surly), a super-short chain, and a pretty decent chainline.
I’ve heard most reports saying the chain tends to drop to the inside. Just a bashguard on the outside didn’t do it for me, a couple of brake bumps and the chain would be off. Plenty short chain.
Hmmm…. maybe having a softtail on my 1×8 takes the edge off. I was worried about chain drop as well, which was I left a front derailleur on to keep it from wrapping the BB. So far nothing but good luck. Good to hear others’ perspective as well.
I could see that happening, I just haven’t experienced it yet. I gotta say, I love the 1×8 setup. I’m thinking about going 1×9 on my other ride (currently 3×9). Good choice! I just wish I could afford to build another new bike…it’d be either a Carver or a maybe a Sugar.
Can’t decide whether to bite it and go dually or 29″.
Carvers are great if you MUST form your own opinion. Think about it hard. What Mountainbike Magazine also wished it just had a 29″ rear wheel, otherwise they like the bike just fine. The Mini 26/24 they sell takes a 26″ rear wheel as well. The larger Sarvers intriguingly, do NOT take a 29″ rear wheel.
I have a subscription to MBA and they loved the Carver, though I would really love to read the MountainBike Magazine test review of it. I really have no way of testing it myself before plunging in. Which issue of Mountain Bike is the review in…or is there a web page?
I have a Carver and I think it rock’s!!! I also have a 2006 Fisher Paragon that I had first!! Both are great bike’s but the Carver climb’s much quicker and easier!! You loose a little of the full 29er mid-range speed but gain a faster all around ride!You just have to remember that the 26″ wheel does not go over things like a 29″ does The Carver rail’s corners better than any full 26″ bike I have ever had and I’ve had quite a few!! I’ve been ripping it up since 1991!