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anybody run a single chainring?

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anybody run a single chainring?

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Old 10-03-13, 10:10 AM
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belacqua
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anybody run a single chainring?

I was deeply affected by bloom87's Simonato and am really tempted to set up my '89 Schwinn Circuit as a 1x7.

Your thoughts?
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Old 10-03-13, 10:22 AM
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I've done it before, but I've never ran anything as big as 50t. There are hills where I live, so I would run a 42-46 ring. This would get me up the hills, and the only sacrifice powering on descents. If you can run a something like a 13-28t in the rear, you actually get a very usable range.
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Old 10-03-13, 10:48 AM
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A single chain ring and a derailleur? Yes...



A single chain ring with an IGH? Yes...


Or a single chain ring with both a derailleur and an IGH? Yes...
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Old 10-03-13, 10:50 AM
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Play around with a gear calculator and see what you come up with. Also there have been a couple threads about this, so do a search for more inspiration.

I have an errand bike set up 1 x 6. It's flat where I live and it gives me plenty of gearing. I had it set up with a 44 ring, 14/28 fw, but one of my other bikes stole that chainring so now it's a 52. It's still fine for how I use it. Ideally I'd probably use something like a 46 x 13/24. ymmv
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Old 10-03-13, 11:02 AM
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Running a 1x7 with a 44T in front and a corncob in the back. Works great for all around riding.
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Old 10-03-13, 11:21 AM
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michael k
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The errand bike is set with 1x5 with 52 front.

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Old 10-03-13, 11:59 AM
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I have owned a few bikes with a single chain ring, this old Torpado being one of the favorites...

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Old 10-03-13, 12:36 PM
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I have set up my Mercian as a 1x7 with a 44 or 46 front chainring. Works nicely for commuting, and I got to use a nice clamp-on Simplex Retrofriction shifter that had only the right lever.

Also see this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-828885.html
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Old 10-03-13, 12:38 PM
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I'm currently running a 38 tooth on the front and an 11-32 on the back. Gives an extremely useable 30-90 inch gear range.
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Old 10-03-13, 12:42 PM
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belacqua
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thanks, I was having trouble coming up with workable search terms.

Originally Posted by Orrery
I have set up my Mercian as a 1x7 with a 44 or 46 front chainring. Works nicely for commuting, and I got to use a nice clamp-on Simplex Retrofriction shifter that had only the right lever.

Also see this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-828885.html
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Old 10-03-13, 01:00 PM
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On my Fuji, I find I spend 99% of my time on my 38 ring - of my 48/38/28 triple front, with a 13-21 six-speed rear.

My recent Univega build has the typical 52/42 and I'd imagine I'll be spending most of my time on the 42-ring with a 13-24 six-speed out back.

Now you've got me thinking why I even carry around the bigger chainring!
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Old 10-03-13, 04:30 PM
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Old 10-03-13, 04:36 PM
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Yep.

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Old 10-03-13, 04:54 PM
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belacqua
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That's what I'm talking about! Can you discuss the thinking behind this build?

Originally Posted by gomango
Yep.

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Old 10-03-13, 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by belacqua
That's what I'm talking about! Can you discuss the thinking behind this build?
Thanks.

First of all, I take little credit for the build.

I saw it on our local CL and bought it when the price dropped.

As for the why, I ride almost exclusively off road this time of the year.

I don't need another ring, as the single gave me all I needed.

I just need better legs and I am working on that rather seriously atm.

Less dr stuff for slurry and mud to attach to as well.

Put on a bash guard, my Regal, a set of XTR pedals and some Speed Maxs.

The bike goes like a bat out of hades on the trails by our house.

Fun, cheap thrills.
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Old 10-03-13, 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by thinktubes
Running a 1x7 with a 44T in front and a corncob in the back. Works great for all around riding.
+1

I also ran a 44t and a 12-27 cassette with good results. Climbing steeper grades will require good fitness, but it can be done.
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Old 10-03-13, 05:31 PM
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1x8 on my utility commuter. 39 front 11-34 back. sun race cheapy thumb shifter.... simple and it works
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Old 10-04-13, 05:50 AM
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1x7 - meh.

7x1 - now that would be interesting.
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