Replace my NX with Shimano or go Single Speed?

Actually, after a bit more research I think I am just going to begin the component upgrade. it seems that there may be some flex that a guy my size (235) can induce on the Stache when single speeding it. Also, I tend to stretch SS changes quite a lot due to my size. I like them, but just a bit hard on them.

So component wise I am thinking up upgrading the current NX setup with this combo and in this order.

• Shimano SLX 12 speed derailleur
• Shimano XT 12 speed shifter
• Sunrace 11-51 Cassette (if the original NX does not shift well)

I welcome any thoughts on this process.

Do you really want a SS or gears is the real question? Either can be built up nicely on that frame.

If you decide on the Shimano conversion my only recommendation is to use a SRAM 12 speed chain. I've found the slightly larger tolerances engage better with the Sunrace cassette than a Shimano chain.

BrianRidesBikes said:

Do you really want a SS or gears is the real question? Either can be built up nicely on that frame.

If you decide on the Shimano conversion my only recommendation is to use a SRAM 12 speed chain. I've found the slightly larger tolerances engage better with the Sunrace cassette than a Shimano chain.

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I would really like to go SS, as parts are still so hard to come by and expensive. I am not finding a decent deal on a SLX derailleur at this point.

I just read a lot about chain pop and frame flex on the Stache set up as a SS with heavier riders. I am a big guy at 6’6” and in the 235-245 range typically. Like I said, I tend to stretch SS chains pretty badly And very quickly.

RatBikeRod said:

I would really like to go SS, as parts are still so hard to come by and expensive. I am not finding a decent deal on a SLX derailleur at this point.

I just read a lot about chain pop and frame flex on the Stache set up as a SS with heavier riders. I am a big guy at 6’6” and in the 235-245 range typically. Like I said, I tend to stretch SS chains pretty badly And very quickly.

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If it’s one of the Stache frames with the elevated chainstay then that’s correct. There are some years of the Stache that don’t use that design that are fine though. What year do you have?

edit: I’m going to assume that with NX it’s probably not the older non elevated versions.

On flexy frames especially, I've found that using a non chamfered chain like a SRAM PC1 or BMX style chain with a near perfect chainline minimizes the side load and popping. I also tension them a little tighter than normal given the flex induced slack under power. A tensioner would be a sure fire solution for flex depending on how you feel about them.

SingleSpeedSteven said:

If it’s one of the Stache frames with the elevated chainstay then that’s correct. There are some years of the Stache that don’t use that design that are fine though. What year do you have?

edit: I’m going to assume that with NX it’s probably not the older non elevated versions.

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Mine is the elevated chain stay version.

BrianRidesBikes said:

On flexy frames especially, I've found that using a non chamfered chain like a SRAM PC1 or BMX style chain with a near perfect chainline minimizes the side load and popping. I also tension them a little tighter than normal given the flex induced slack under power. A tensioner would be a sure fire solution for flex depending on how you feel about them.

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Not a huge fan of the tensioner, but you make a good point. I may research that a bit more.

I plan to go and talk to a local builder who works for a Trek shop near me. He helped me build up my Ogre.

I've got SLX derailleur and shifter on an NX cassette and GX level chain and it shifts about as well as the full GX setup on my other bike.

Of course derailleur’s are nonexistent.

Maybe the SS path is not a bad idea.

You can run a Shimano 12 speed shifter with your NX 12 speed derailleur. My buddy did that with his Stache for a couple of years before he switched to full XT when he got his carbon wheelset. He wanted the double upshift that the XT and XTR shifters provide.
I also wouldn't have any qualms using a tensioner either to go singlespeed. That is what I'm doing on my Breezer Lightning and have experienced zero issues.

I am going to back pocket the conversion to Shimano for now due to the fact that derailleurs’ are impossible to get.

I ordered a 32 & 34 front SRAM chain ring and will be doing a SS conversion as a test. If I start having problems I can convert back quickly enough.

RatBikeRod said:

Actually, after a bit more research I think I am just going to begin the component upgrade. it seems that there may be some flex that a guy my size (235) can induce on the Stache when single speeding it. Also, I tend to stretch SS changes quite a lot due to my size. I like them, but just a bit hard on them.

So component wise I am thinking up upgrading the current NX setup with this combo and in this order.

• Shimano SLX 12 speed derailleur
• Shimano XT 12 speed shifter
• Sunrace 11-51 Cassette (if the original NX does not shift well)

I welcome any thoughts on this process.

Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry a lot about that. I'm 280 lb and can say that the forces you apply on a SS are the same as applied with a geared bike, excepting the crank. The difference is that on lower gears, you won't feel as much, although the bike will. Actually, with a SS you may put less load on the chain, as you'll reach your limit earlier than on a geared bike.

Having that said, I'll PM you about getting your pars.

I ordered everything up for the swap to SS today. Cost me a bit more as I got combos for 30/32/34 chainring and 18/19/20 cogs. But I will have a lot of flexibility based on where I am riding.

Wow, I'm actually loving the NX from my Farley 9.6. The Fatboy Carbon Comp was GX, I can hardly tell a difference if the B screw is kept in proper position.

I added an XT drive train to another bike and hate the notchy feeling shifter. Got that B screw dialed in as well, and it's not so bad, but I still highly prefer the SRAM feel.

The Shitmano brakes, total joke with bite point issues.

huckleberry hound said:

You can run a Shimano 12 speed shifter with your NX 12 speed derailleur. My buddy did that with his Stache for a couple of years before he switched to full XT when he got his carbon wheelset. He wanted the double upshift that the XT and XTR shifters provide.
I also wouldn't have any qualms using a tensioner either to go singlespeed. That is what I'm doing on my Breezer Lightning and have experienced zero issues.

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The Shimano shifters feel like crap! 😄 But, it's awesome they're compatible. Whatever gets you riding! 👊👍🍻

It’s like Fords and Chevy’s, everybody has there preferences to be sure. I am such a low end rider that what works for me would not be tolerated by a really good rider. I just work to get my almost 60 year old butt out as much as I can and enjoy what I have.

I do probably 90% of my riding on the Ogre. I cant let go of the Stache because it is such a fun bike to ride. I am thinking (hoping) that converting it to SS will make it even more fun to ride and make me work at it a bit more (my fitness in 2022 needs to improve). I have been battling diabetes and a big part of that is keeping fit.

I want 2022 to be my year to really ramp up my endurance, riding skills and health. I am an avid motorcyclist too, so the skills transition.

Thanks for everyone’s input. I will do a write up on the conversion to SS. I am going to be keeping my eye open for parts as well.