converting chainset to single ring-

i have an xt770 triple chainset with worn rings. going to try single speed for a while.
can i convert this chainset?
what do i need to know?

You just need a new ring to fit in place of the middle ring.

You will also probably need shorter chainring bolts.

As per curvature, single ring goes in the place of the middle ring. And you will need shorter chainring bolts unless you fit a bash ring too (outer chainring position).

You’ll need a device to stop the chain falling off the inside too. Something like this: http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=495&osCsid=8l7qmj33q2metlu8j34plop9b5

Just a singlespeed ring and some shorter bolts. And whatever at the back to fit a singlespeed sprocket and tension the chain. No chain device needed on a singlespeed, no way it can fall off! If you meant 1×9 or 1×10 then you will need some kind of chain device, the BB mount Superstar one being a better option than the one linked above.

When I used a single ring on my road bike in the 70s my chain never fell off so why should it now?

When I used a single ring on my road bike in the 70s my chain never fell off so why should it now?

You do realise this is a mountain biking forum don’t you?

Stick a bash guard on instead of the big ring If you can’t find shorter bolts. Chain needs a bit of tension to stop things going a bit floppy when moving off etc so unless you have horizontal drop outs or an eccentric bb to take adjust for the slack then you will need a chain device. Try before you buy and try a session in With the set up you have and see how you get on without changing gear.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=dmr+chain+tensioner&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=YuD1ULPSG8bJ0QWpwoH4Bg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=672#biv=i|9;d|p9us8dt8eCqpfM:

Chain will bounce of without a chain guard. The Superstar one works fine.

He did say single speed, do people really run chain retention devices on singlespeeds? Or do I not have issues because my tensioner bolts up rather than being sprung?

I ss’d my Kona and didn’t need a chain device, the tensioner will keep the chain on the rings.

If you’re going single speed a conversion kit is ideal. It just so happens I’ve got a DMR on for sale (used 3 times) if your interested.

If you want to go 1×9 then you will need a chain device.

Superstar is a good product for single front and multi speed ( and deraileur) at the back but it won’t keep the chain tight unless you keep the deraileur on. If you get lucky the frame and cog size may contrive to make the chain tight but converting a standard drop out frame usually requires a chain device. Enjoy
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&biw=1024&bih=672&tbm=isch&oq=single+speed+conversion+mountain+bike+&gs_l=img.3…22305.29460.0.30122.12.12.0.0.0.0.1243.2240.8j3j7-1.12.0…0.0…1ac.1.-fwyi8jqZnM&q=single%20speed%20conversion%20mountain%20bike