I'm getting sick of throwing the chain on rough stuff and have decided to get an XT Shadow Plus mech to hopefully improve the situation. It's strange, I never had this happen very often running 3x9 but since changing to 2x10 it's happening more often. Admittedly, I am riding harder now than I have before. I have checked the set up of the front mech and it's spot on.
I run 2x10 38/26 front and 11-36 rear so a total of 37 teeth. The GS medium cage mech says it has a capacity of 35 teeth, the SGS long cage is 43 teeth. I've been running an SGS long cage mech up to now.
So will the GS be OK - I used to stay on the 38 at the front as much as possible and use the entire rear block but have got myself out of that habit and have been dropping to the 26 earlier and enjoying the spread of gears that offers.
Which would you recommend?
You could try fitting a lower chain device like a Blackspire Stinger, it may be a better (and cheaper) solution for keeping the chain on the front rings.
Are you likely to ever use 26-11? The only implication of using a mech without enough capacity for your gears is that it won't be able to take up the slack when the chain is at it's longest. 26-11 needs capacity of 37. The mech will cope with all other gears.
Edit - also, if you've switched from 3x9 to 2x10, did you shorten the chain? This might be the issue with dropping the chain.
I'm running 2x10 XT drivetrain, 38/24 up front and 11/36 out back, so slightly larger capacity than you. I use a GS Shadow+ and it works perfectly - and I use all combinations of gears.
However, if you're dropping the chain regularly on your current setup, maybe there's something else wrong?
What front mech are you using?
9 speed or 10 speed rings?
Which chain, and is it the correct length (big/big +2)?
The chain is an XT 10 speed running on a XT 2x10 drivechain and is the correct length - used the big/big method with the air out of the shock and the suspension compressed.
It's a 2012 XT 2x10 specific front mech.
The chain is an XT 10 speed running on a XT 2x10 drivechain and is the correct length - used the big/big method with the air out of the shock and the suspension compressed.It's a 2012 XT 2x10 specific front mech.
All good there then, so I'm surprised you're dropping the chain. I don't seem to drop chains, unless there's something wrong with my setup - happened when I had the wrong chainring on a 2x9, and again when I left the clutch on the new Shadow+ 'off' by mistake. Maybe I'm just lucky, or don't ride gnarly enough trails 😉
Anyway, get the GS Shadow+, it should keep ya chain on. Be warned some don't like the more 'positve' gear change action of the plus, though personally I think the XT 2x10 with a Shadow+ is the best drivetrain I've experienced - and that's coming from a doubter, who has been doggedly hanging on to his 9-speed drivetrain for as long as possible!
Thanks for the feedback.
I've got an MRP 2X chain guide (BB mount) I've been meaning to sell for a while.....
How much would you want for it?
Hmmm.. 60 quid posted?
It's a 36 - 38 one in black.
All the parts are brand new and unused apart from the backplate. This is because I had it on my Mojo HD and then had to buy a whole new device just to get the Mojo specific backplate. I swapped all the bits.
My email is in my profile if you want to discuss further...?
Mad Pierre - that sounds a good price. I'll hang on for now and see how the Shadow+ I fitted goes on it's own.
Tried it out yesterday and it totally eliminated chain slap plus the chain stayed on for the entire ride (unlike my mate who threw his off twice).
neninja, interested in the ringle wheels if you still have them...?
Sorry they sold ages ago.
Mad Pierre - that sounds a good price. I'll hang on for now and see how the Shadow+ I fitted goes on it's own.
Okay but it'll be in the classifieds soon...