After running 1×10 on my last bike for a few months and being very happy with it, I thought I’d dive straight in on the new machine (Scott Genius 740, 27.5 wheels… thoughts on this for another post). I purchased one of the RaceFace Narrow-Wide single rings that have alternating width teeth, like the XX1 rings, and can be run with 9, 10 or 11 speed and is ideally run with a clutch rear mech – I’m running an X0 Type2.
I have an MRP 1X guide but, rather than slap it straight on, thought I’d try without for the first ride… in short, I’m leaving the chainguide off!
I’ll set the tone with a description of my test ground. I live in Innerleithen and ride a mix of trails, but you can be assured that this has been properly tested… including a couple of downhill tracks and loose rocky sections. After a total of 4 hours riding, I didn’t drop my chain once!
I’m not saying this will work for all… I’m running 150mm travel front and rear, so that absorbs a good deal of bumps that might have the chain jumping about all over the place on, say, a hardtail. However, it could also be said that a full suss will also come with lengthening and shortening of the chainstay length, as the bike goes through it’s travel, that can have a serious impact on the chain and drivetrain performance.
I’m convinced that the clutch mech is doing some of the work and it’s hard to know which bit of this system is doing most of the effort to keep the chain on, but as a unit, this works really well. I’d have no hesitation in suggesting people try a Shadow plus, or type 2, mech with one of these rings and go without the guide first to see how you get on.
Don’t assume that it’s guaranteed to work, but it certainly is for me so far. Will report again when I’ve got some wear on the chain and ring.