El Gato27

I recently converted an older Sirrus to 1X8. I’ve taken it out about 5 times and really like the setup. One issue I have is the front derailleur has chain rub when I’m in the highest gear. The chain would either rub in the lowest gear or the highest gear so I chose the highest gear as I’m more often in the lowest gear compared to time spent in the highest gear.

I would like to remove the front derailleur but I’ve read that it will help prevent chain drop. Have not had any chain drop issues, but I only have about 80-90 miles to refer to.

Has anyone done a similar conversion and removed the front derailleur? Any issues?

Thanks

Troul 

if spaced correctly, it shouldnt drop or overrun.

Slightspeed

I don't get the 1x deal, but if you buy a new bike designed for 1x, you don't get a front derailleur, so it should be safe to remove yours.

When I bought this Peugeot the front derailleur was broken, and the previous owner removed it. It rode fine, but I put a front derailleur back on. Rides better that way for me.

Gresp15C

I have a 1x9, and the chain sometimes falls off if I back-pedal while in the highest gear. Yeah, I know, don't back-pedal. But it's such a habit.

hermanchauw

El Gato27

I installed the front sprocket in the middle position. Is this what you mean by spacing?

Thanks.

HillRider

There are several makes of "narrow-wide" chainrings specifically made to retain the chain on a single chainring without using a guard or front derailleur. A Google search will get you the names and configuration you need.

Troul 

The bottom bracket width should be considered when affixing the front gear & setting up chain alignment to the rear sprockets.
Having the single front sprocket, I'd also set the chain length to be lengthened to be on the shorter spectrum of things.

Litespud

If you remember one of the Tours years back, David Millar ran his TT bike without an FD for the weight savings, and ended up shipping the chain and losing significant time. Dedicated 1X chainrings usually have taller teeth, as there's no need to facilitate shifting the chain off the chainring, as with doubles and triples. 1X RDs also have clutches to minimize the chain bouncing around, which can also result in chain drop. Are all these necessary? Maybe, or it's possible that the manufacturers had to come up with "1X-necessary" components, otherwise where would be the profit in promoting 1X if we could all switch using our old 2-3X gear? So, running a home-made 1X setup doesn't mean that you'll always drop the chain, but it's more likely to happen than with a purpose-built 1X setup. Question is - will it happen sufficiently frequently to warrant keeping a non-functional FD in place? Speaking for myself, the dud FD would drive me nuts - I'd lose it and do the experiment.

Homebrew01

With my 2x I have never noticed the chain try to jump off either chainring by itself, so I don't see the need for a front deraiileur with 1x on a road bike.
Perhaps mtn biking or cyclocross would have enough bouncing etc to cause a chain jump.

El Gato27

I'm probably a few of notches below TT'ing on the Tour (one notch ~10 MPH). I'm mainly on paved hike/bike trails; occasionally on gravel trails no MTB or CX riding.
Derailleur is coming off.