[Closed] What's more important....

I ran 1x10 on my scalpel and fatbike for a few years with only a NW and no clutch or chain keeper.

NW, i always foget to move the clutch to the on position and the chain stays on.

Chain length just as important though

Definitely the NW ring, ran one for almost a year on a 1x9 setup and didn't drop once.

1x9 seems to throw the chain very rarely

Get a narrow wide, superstar are ridiculously good value in my experience, I rarely put my clutch on as it causes way too much resistance for the shift

N/W.
But really both and a top chain guide is best for xc type stuff.

N/W

Both and a top guide is massive overkill for XC

Narrow wide until it wears. Then turn on clutch. Then when it wears more, add a chain guide. Then tighten clutch. Then shorten chain.

Finally, give in and buy new nw and repeat process.

Chains only fall off when it really matters. Overkill for the sake of a few grams is worth it imo.

Having said all that, I've just taken my top guide off, but only so I can fit it to my daughter's bike as she needs it more than me right now. Chain not fallen off yet, but not done a muddy race either. So then, another superstar one... or a posh Paul's one?

Superstar for the win and bank holiday discount.

Aha - superstar it is ! 🙂

N/W works fine by itself. Clutch is nice to lessen chain slap.

I use to drop my chain nearly every ride with 2*9. I think it's dropped maybe 3 times since going 1*10 around 3 years ago.

Chainguide.

Both and a top guide is massive overkill for XC

Not if you're racing seriously..... though neither of my bikes has one but then I don't race seriously...and like others I've found I don't really need the clutch... if your pushing chain life though it's different but obviously better to change the chain....

hey chilled, you asked about those mini v's I had - didn't see your reply until a few days later. Let me know if you're interested.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/any-way-of-searching-your-old-for-sale-ads