barefoot wrote:
Most 1x setups .....
I think it was your words "Most" that caught my eye
barefoot wrote:Then it seems you're not very familiar with 1x9 and 1x10 mountain bike setups - especially popular in downhill and "all mountain" disciplines.
True, you'd be 100% correct there
barefoot wrote:Chain guides are absolutely standard fitment there:
Of course, these are fairly abnormal conditions, and far more prone to dropping chains than any kind of road riding...
Probably more from where I'm coming from
barefoot wrote:but the fact is that these guys had a problem with chains falling off, and over many years, this style of chain guide has become the standard solution. I don't know of many mainstream non-MTB bikes that are available with a 1xn drivetrain, but those I've seen usually have a less severe version of the same theme (usually without the bottom pulley), or solid guide rings on either side of the chainring (looking like the old ring-mounted chain guards that used to be fitted to 10-speed road bikes).
I travel in different circles but your experience is still valid
barefoot wrote:Chains only fall off when they go slack on the top run. The less excess chain you have flapping around the bottom run, the less chance there is of your top run going slack while coasting and trying to exit when you begin pedalling again.
I race in my local club's "dirt crit" series - basically a short-course cross-country MTB race format. When my ancient 3x8 drivetrain was in the process of falling to bits last year, I converted briefly to a 1x8 setup without a chain guide. Briefly, because I was dropping my chain about once every lap (~1km), even though my chainline was good (chainring lined up with the mid-block gears I was using most). Others manage successfully with a chain guide to help keep the chain on (I solved my problem by getting a new bike
)
tim
I think I was unsure where you were coming from, keeping in mind you didnt mention it and the OP's bike looks to be
not a racing MTB so I offered my opinion
In fairness to your post, most of my experience is with smaller wheeled bikes of a non MTB racing nature.
In fairness to mine many of them are full suspension and long chainstay which accentuates chainsuck and bobbing motion.
Think Birdy, Bike Friday, Tern, Dahon and Moulton to name a few.
None of the mentioned (last I looked) utilise any chain guide.
All have models with single front chain ring and rear cassette and derailleur like mine.
Interesting to see your pic and to be informed about the new commonness of the guide setup.
You (I) learn something every day - thank you for that.
On a side note, I had for many years a 26' wheeled Mountain bike and I used Sheldon Browns chain length
doc's to find the right length.
On my mountain bike as well (sold now), when in the lowest gear (most teeth gear on the rear cassette) my rear derailleurs
jocky wheels were in basically almost a verticle position rather than stretched out almost horizontal like I see
on many bikes whose owner have lots of drive train problems.
I believe it should be possible to someone to have a 1x set up without issue for the reason that I experience it myself
every time I get off my fat lazy butt and ride my bike.
I doubt the OP's bike, if its factory, started it life throwing chains.
I dont think guides are a bad idea per se' but think his problem is likey he's either changed something or bent something
to make his bike no longer the same it was when it was first pushed from the display window in the LBS.
Nice to hear your angle on things and your experience.
I think hearing it the answer is we are both right from our points of view.
I'm looking forward to the OP updating us on whether his bike is factory, the chain and chainrings in good condition, whether
he's changed anything and has the issues been rectified.
Hopefully all will be reveled