Having recently gone back to a 2×10 set up, having run 1×10 (and 1×9) for a few years.
I wondered would the new shimano shadow plus mech with the clutch system, negate the need for a chain device?
I usually use an e13 XCX top guide which has worked fine, despite riding reasonably quickly and jumping lots.
So Sunday night off I go with 1×10 and no chain device. Works ok until you hit repeated bumps, fast and then drops the chain onto the BB.
Only posting in case anyone else is considering this. I found a past post on STW from a Ibis HD user saying it had worked for him, can only assume he rode smooth trails or slowly, as most certainly does not work.
Also had inspiration to try this after looking at the bikes from the weekends racing, lots using the SRAM 1×11 set up minus chain device. Am aware SRAM are using larger teeth on their front chainring, but still can’t see this working without a chain device.
Hope of interest. Seems clutch is only worth using if you like a quieter drivechain. Am aware you can alter tension of clutch, however shifting already feels stiffer (only downside of clutch system) so loathed to increase further.