I have a 1×10 xt setup with a superstar narrow wide on an xt double crank set. The drive train is noisy in the 2 biggest cogs although everything else is nice and smooth. Is this a chainline issue? I’m a bit of a noob when it comes to this sort of stuff.

I had the same thing using an XT double. I just moved the BB spacers to adjust it inboard. You can do this or use chainring spacers.

Run 3mm spacers between chain ring and crank and it will line up ok

I swapped a BB Spacer, easy and simple to do.

BB spacers. Have a day tinkering and it’s an easy fix

I think moving bb spacers is such a bodge. It puts your feet in the wrong place relative to the seat / bars. Whilst I think it’s very unlikely I can feel a 2.5mm difference, it’s just wrong!

Much better to space the chainring IMO.

Fair point, just an easy fix with tinkering I reckon, when I do a build I get the bike all done, ride out with tools in pack and do my mechanics riding. Superficial might be right and moving a chainring could be the answer.

I haven’t got any bb spacers so I guess I need to find some chain ring spacers.

Thanks for advice.

where have you put the chainring? on the outside of the tabs in the ‘normal’ place for a double or inside?

The crank is an XT-M785 double so the ring can only go on the inside of the tabs.

One more quick question, I plan n trying 2mm spacers so will I need longer chain ring bolts than the standard XT ones?

More than likely yes. Can’t remember whether I had to on mine or not though.

You want overlap between the female part and the spider (not just the spacer) in order for it to be properly supported.

I had to use 2mm spacers AND move the BB spacer to get the right chainline with that chainset.

Just 2mm chainring spacers for me and that sorted it.

I think a lot of the noise is from the new chainring ‘meshing’ with the chain – I emailed Superstar and they said the same – as long as you have a decent chainline don’t worry too much about the noise, it’ll quieten down.