[murrayf]

Hey all,

I ride a modded '07 SX Trail II on trails split 70% Whistler, 30% North Shore Vancouver. So the majority of the time Im headed downhill, but still like to pedal up the Shore and ride technical trails with some steep wood features and a lot of sudden ups/downs.

Im considering losing the front mech/shifter and going to 1x9 or 1x10. At the moment Im running a double (24/36) with 11-34 cassette. I find I rarely use the granny ring, hence why I think I can get away with a single ring up front. At the moment Im thinking a smaller 34t ring with a 11-36 10 speed cassette will give me a nice range. The other option is to stick with 9 speed 11-34 and just go to 34t up front. Less of a change from what I have but might be ok.

Is there any reason other than the 11-36 cassette to go to 10 speed? Is it better than 1x9 for any other reasons?

And do you guys think I'll be fine with what Ive suggested for stuff I ride or do you have better combo ideas?

 

[Guy.Ford]

A lot of people are saying the new 10spd stuff seems to shift smoother, I havent spent much time on it so I couldnt say ive noticed a dif.

Seems most riders are moving to 10spd for 1x because of the taller 36t cassette and pairing it with a 32t ring, SUPER easy to pedal. Personally, as a proponent of the 1x for many years now, I think 9spd would still work for most people using a 32t w/ 11/34 cass, but hey I ride a 9spd 38t w/ 11/34 no probs but whatever thats me.

Id say since you already have the 9spd setup, just get the 34t ring and give it a shot, if you feel its not easy enough to pedal spend the money and upgrade, but if you find the 9spd works then you just saved a fair amount of cash consider yourself smart and lucky.

 

[murrayf]

thanks for the response Guy. Its good thinking, my only problem might be that my drivetrain is pretty worn so swapping to a new chainring means a new chain, which means a new cassette etc etc. So trying out 1x9 will be a similar cost to going to 1x10, just need a new 10sp shifter on top.

Maybe 1x10 with 34t ring and 11-36 cassette is the way to go then? I think I'll need the 34/11 pairing minimum for some of the faster DH trails at whistler. Just not sure if I need the 36t on the cassette. Is 34/36 going to be super easy to pedal?

 

[Guy.Ford]

Yeah in that case it might be a wash, youd need a new shifter too dont forget. If you go 10spd you really cant lose so might as well since you have to replace most of the drivetrain anyhow. Good luck and brilliant choice to go 1x you wont regret it, its honestly the best change I made to my riding - simpler, quiet and makes you stronger.

 

[Endothermic Cavewalker]

How would swapping a chain and cassette be similar in cost to getting a 10 speed chain, cassette, shifter and derailleur?
I think you would be fine with an 11-34T cassette and either a 34T or 36T chain ring up front. There is also a 9 speed 12-36T cassette that Shimano makes which might also be worth trying out.

 

[expatrider]

I would say don't bother going 10 speed. Primarily because of cost. A good 10 speed cassette that won't eat your freehub is going to be significantly more expensive than eg., 9 speed PG 990. Going 10 speed would also mean new shifter, new r. der. If you don't do a lot of climbing then most of your riding will be at the low end of the gear range - which will be exactly the same whether it's 9 speed or 10 speed. Oh yeah, the 10 speed chains I have used in the past (SRAM) are very expensive, and seem to wear crazy fast.

I have to agree with Guy on going 1x. His constant preaching (i mean that in a good way ) about the benefits of 1x9 was one of the reasons I decided to try it, and I couldn't be happier I did.

 

[murrayf]

sounds like sticking with 9 speed is a good plan. Here's what Im thinking then:

34t e13 guide ring
11-34 PG990
PC971 chain
MRP Mini G2 SL guide

Keep existing shifter and derailleur. Spend the money I save on beer.

 

[NoahColorado]

...
MRP Mini G2 SL guide

Keep existing shifter and derailleur. Spend the money I save on beer.

Win. :thumbsup:

 

[irocss85]

I just did this swap last fall. went from 8 speed though to 9speed. the cost diff. between 9 and 10 speed stuff is significant, and I heard back then that 10speed stuff all wears out alot faster.
at the time I had a 32t chainring. NEVER used 1st gear due to the 32/34 being too low. when I upgraded my front chainring went with a 36t front ring matched to my xt 11/34 cassette and 175 crank arms feels perfect to me. even now I only use 1/2 on the steepest inclines. on the other hand, now I rarely use 9th speed cause I aint strong enough to keep that kind of pace. but the only downhills I see are very short HILLS. no mountains to ride down out here.

good luck you will love it.