MrWasabi

I posted this on the hybrid sub forum and couldn't figure out how to move it here. I have a 2014 Fuji Traverse 1.3 that has three chainrings up front. I want to go to one chain ring up front and eliminate the front derailleur/shifter. Can I just add a different chainring to my existing crank/BB setup or is that not possible with the Acera Octalink?
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ.../FC-T3010.html

I'd rather just change out the chainring and not have to get a new crank/BB and change everything. I guess I could possibly just take off the other two chainrings and use the one left but I want to change the gearing to something like a 40-42T at the same time. The existing 9 speed cassette is 11-32T. I also have another Tiagra cassette I could use which is 9 speed 11-25T. I'm biking in FL, mostly on paved trails with some hard pack at times. Not much if any hills/inclines.

Thanks for any advice on a chainring change and gearing.

sloppy12

yep get a 104 BCD narrow wide chain ring... What clearance you have on the frame for a larger gear I dont know.

You can use the gears you have to test and lock the derailer in the middle gear.

MrWasabi

Thanks for the reply!

The largest ring up front now is a 48T so I'm thinking I'll be good with a 40-42T. Just take the other rings off and put on the new one? I wasn't sure if the other rings were part of the actual total rings mount connected together. Sorry the bike isn't in front of me to check. Any brands better than others for the money? I'll be having my shop do this so hopefully he sells what I need.

Thanks again for the reply and help.

sloppy12

The new gear will replace the middle ring. you may not have room for a 40-42. You need to look at clearance on the middle ring. You also need the single gear bolts or spacers to make up the difference of the removed gear.

some narrow wides will come with the new hardware.

MrWasabi

Thanks again,

The middle is already a 36T so my other option is just take the other two off and stick with only the one and try to handle the gearing preference from the cassette side? Maybe I should just suck it up and replace the crank and BB? I didn't want to dump a lot of cash into the Fuji. I appreciate the help.

sloppy12

I wouldn't replace the crank if money is the issue. that crank will take any 104BCD narrow wide chain ring. its the frame you need to make sure will clear a larger gear, and a new crank wont change that.

It may be a non issue I have bikes that can easily fit 40 or 42 on the middle ring, I also have a MTB that will at most clear a 34.

MrWasabi

I'll be taking the outer and inner ring off right? That's where I'm getting confused as I thought I would have enough room as the outer ring since it's already clearing everything. I guess since I have to use the middle ring spot that it may be in more, closer the the frame that much over the outer to be the issue? Am I understanding that right? So if I can clear it with the middle ring, chain included, I'll be able to have just one ring on the crank? The other two I'm taking off aren't part of the assembly. Sorry for all the questions, I haven't worked on a bicycle for 35 years since my frankenbike building days.

Edit:
I'm eyeballing something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/42T-104-bcd...MAAOSwwkZfzVsD

sloppy12

You have it. its clearance on the middle gear that can be a issue. you know a 36 clears right now. need to see how close the rear chain stay that gear is. Its usually pretty clear if you can fit a larger gear.

MrWasabi

Thanks again for the advice sloppy. I'd buy you a beer or two or fifteen if I could.

HillRider

Removing the outer and inner chainring and just using the middle position will give you the best chainline all across the cassette.

MrWasabi

Thanks HillRider,

I was thinking about that option but am wondering how that will effect my gearing? I'm usually on the middle sprocket anyway but I was hoping to gain some more useable gears, (lose the unusable) and speed as I'm mostly on flat paved trails and tight pack stuff. If I add the 11-25T cassette with my existing 36T middle chainring maybe that would do it? Not much hill riding here where I am. I grew up by Ohiopyle so I know the good hills.