Without getting into the whys and wherefores of running 1xn, I chose to go with the General Lee 28-40t Shimano adapter with a 34t Hope ring with built in bash guard. Running it with an SLX long cage clutch mech I had seen it on someones bike during a week in the Alps with Trail Addiction this summer. Was it you and your wife hob nob?
As the guy says on the video here it is a compromise and the mech is working out of its range so xtr type, smooth as velvet shifting is never gonna be the case. However, with a bit of patience you can get better than acceptable shifting. Along with most that have this set up I’ve found that shifting one way or the other is slighty smoother and so mine is adjusted such that shifting up the block is crisp and sharp. Coming down it slightly hesitant but still well within the acceptable range. From my experience, I found chain length the most important factor in chain retention. After my 1st, not hugely successful attempt, I followed this guys advice re chain length
I’m tempted to agree with his comment re there’s only 1 correct chain length!
All that said, how’s it riding?
Had it on for a few weeks now and I’ve ridden the usual north Wales spots. ‘degla, Marin, Coedy, Penmach. Before anyone jumps in, I appreciate not the gnarliest but hey these are just my experiences. I’m not running any chain guide and with the chain length set I’ve yet to drop the chain and with the built in bash guard the chainring looks less naked! With 34t at the front I’ve yet to find anything I cant climb that I could before. Any climbs I cant make are where I just run out of talent!! I know I can drop down to 32t or even 30t with a raceface narrow wide ring but I tend to think if there are easier gears available, I’ll use them but not necessarily because I need too but just because they’re there!
There’s not much about it I dont like so far. The simplicity is great and I love the improved look of the bars. It is noticably quieter as well. I honestly haven’t noticed any big jumps between the gears and still find most of my shifting I’m going up or down more than one gear. It might look slightly better at the back with the medium cage mech and as or when it needs replacing I’ll probably try that option. There is a weight saving but as a 6’5″ 15.5st rider on an Orange Alpine it was never going to be of much significance! All in all I’m really pleased with it and if I wasn’t my old setup would’ve gone straight back on with the General Lee adapter appearing on eBay!! Only time will tell re wear but with dont forget the XX1 cassette goes for £329 rrp.
As I said earlier, these are just my experiences and take from them what you will.
Amazing differences of opinion but I guess thats what we come back for. One mans meat is another mans poison and all that
For what it’s worth, which I guess isn’t much, in my opinion the Indian was dreadful as was the little Italian by the bridge. Both serving food you’d be embarressed to!! I’d agree with those biging up the Tontine itself for food and that chippy was actually ok!! But as I said above Osso is absolutely beautiful. Been a few times and although I said above its not the cheapest, the quality of both the food, drinks and service represents excellent value
Excellent info and pics. Thanks Robin. Just one thing I can’t quite work out from your pics, are the mods you’ve made to every tooth or just to few local to the machined ramps?
I’ve already ordered mine. Should be here early next week. I’ve ordered the 40t version. Didnt realise there was a 42t version. Bit gutted! I cant seem to find anywhere the 42t version. Any details of where you got it from Robin? I might resell mine and get the 42t version if it all works.
Yes Rob. A couple of emails and it was all done. All seems very efficient thus far! Just going back to the rear mech, if I still need a chain guide even with a clutch mech and a thick thin chain ring, why bother with the extra expense of those components? The bike they’re going on is my Orange Alpine 160. It’s a pretty bombproof build so more intended for the rough stuff, I’m confused!
I’ve ordered one of these from Bagnoli Bikes and it should be here by the end of the week. Can anybody tell me if I should use a medium or a long cage mech with it. Also, if I get a clutch mech such as the SLX M675 Shadow+ does that do away with the need for a chain guide altogether?
I’m defo up for this. Had a go at 10@kirro last year. Crap result but loved it. Was gonna try again this year so I’m defo up for this. Anyone know when entry opens? Not that far away now
