I want to go 1 x 10. I’ve got a medium cage clutch XT mech on the back, and I’ll pick up a 32t non-ramped chainring for the front.

So what do I need to keep the chain on at the front? Just a top guide, or is it worth a full chain device? I’d like something to protect the chainring, so ideally I’d either keep the Hope bashguard that’s on now or put a slider on the bottom.

The clutch mech seems to do a pretty good job of keeping the chain on at the moment as a 2 x 10, so is it really worth the extra cost for a full chain device? And if not, what top guide works best with a bash ring? There seem to be an awful lot of choices out there…

If you have the Hope bash, it probably makes sense to use the hope guide.

Go 1-10 but stick with what parts you have and see if it’s a problem.

If it is start the same thread again in a few weeks. 😆

I went 1×10 on my Five a month or so ago. Have got a Hope chain ring, Hope ISCG top guide, full bash guard and Shimano Zee short cage rear mech.

Since I converted I’ve ridden lots of techy local trails, Cwm Carn and Afan and last weekend a local urban DH race, and not once have I had the chain come off….really impressed with the set up.

The medium cage you’ve got might mean the chain is a little slacker than what I’ve got but I would’ve thought it shouldn’t be a problem. I’d get the Hope top guide and go with the set up you mention 🙂

Re bashring- IME it’s not really an issue with 1×10, the chain is very tough. I’d thought bashing the chainring/chain might damage it but so far it’s not caused any problems despite best efforts.