Just putting this 'ere fat bike together and have a decision to make. Would you / shall I;

a - Fit a 22/32 up front and all that entails?

b - Go 1 x 10 with a 30t ont' front?

I have the bits for either and while I enjoy the simplicity (both visually and mechanically) of 1 x, I have a nagging doubt and in this instance can't help thinking a few lower gears won't hurt.

What do you think?

Go 1x initially, see how you like it, then go double if 1x is a bit much.

Easier that way round than other

I really like the Hope/SS 40t cassette expander. It gives a good range of gears and with a wide/narrow chainring and a clutch rear mech i have yet to drop a chain.

I'd go the 1x route with an expander sprocket. A breninbeer says with a clutch mech and a narrow-wide chainring you are unlikely to drop a train. Depending on what gearing you are used to you'll lose about 1 1/2 ratios at either end of the range. I thought it would be a problem but over the year I've had the 1x setup I've used the 40T expander sprocket less and less, it's probably three months or more since I've needed it.

I find the granny more useful on the beach where keeping momentum on shingle/sand than on trails where you can get away with stomping. If you're avoiding the beach.....

Or do what AlanG does. 1x10, with a 34 (I think) and a 24 granny, and manually change when there's a big hill.

Or do what AlanG does. 1x10, with a 34 (I think) and a 24 granny, and manually change when there's a big hill.

I had considered that.

given that I despise front mechs, 1x

I've been using a 30t narrow wide with a 40t hope extender + xt cassette for many moons without issue.

Could always get this beast if you want an escape gear...



http://singletrackworld.com/2015/04/one ... -sprocket/

When may fork arrives I'll be building my new fat bike you 1 x 10
But I do have a choice of front cogs depending on the terrain.
And if needed I do have my eye on an expander

I do have an expander sat in the workshop, so could fit that if I go the 1 x route ... although it's quite a few teeth short of the monster in the picture up there ^.

I've been running 32t absolute black oval ring up front and 11-42 out back with a zee mech with a one-up rad cage. Makes shifting way better. Using the same for Tour Divide except gone for a 36t front oval ring.

Front mechs are total crap

It's odd, I see a lot of people say that but I've never had any issues with my front mech past initial setup.

Admittedly I've only used XT or above, but still, the way people talk I'd half expect the things to slice my legs off on a ride.

It's odd, I see a lot of people say that but I've never had any issues with my front mech past initial setup.

Admittedly I've only used XT or above, but still, the way people talk I'd half expect the things to slice my legs off on a ride.

I must admit, I've never had any trouble either. Can't think of a single instance in over 20 years of grief arising from a front mech' ... perhaps I've just been lucky.

Richard G wrote:It's odd, I see a lot of people say that but I've never had any issues with my front mech past initial setup.

Admittedly I've only used XT or above, but still, the way people talk I'd half expect the things to slice my legs off on a ride.

Yep. I just don't understand where the problem lies.

I had trouble once.

I'd mis-matched road and MTB components

chainsuck.

I've only had it once, but my entire drivetrain was pretty much mud at that point.

Pretty much a non issue with a clutch mech now though.

I set my Gryphon up with 1x10 for WRT.
30t narrow wide up front with 11-42 at the back on 2.4" 29er ardents (2250 circumference). No pushing up hills required, even for me. Your gear inches may be a bit longer on a fat bike, not sure, but you're fitter than me anyway!

It set up really easily with a new xt clutch mech. No need for longer screws or anything. No dropped chains since I've fitted it either.

Si

For a fat bike you need to go lower than 30 on the front as you need a decent granny gear to cash in on the traction. I've got 27 up front but 26 would be perfect. Mated to a 42 tooth back sprok 27 gives a granny gear the same as 22-34 which is OK but a bit lower would help on those long grinding climbs. 27 - 11 allows me to pedal up to 20mph and if you need to go faster than that on a fat bike, your riding on the wrong terrain!

I'm liking the 1 by as you just need to worry about one shifter which helps my little brain - no chainring shift decision making issues on climbs just press one button to go slower and one to go faster