Hey folks,
with this nasty weather that we've been having I've been doing ALOT more road riding. I find that I almost never (as in never) use my little chain ring. I would like to go 1x but Im not sure the best way to do this on a road bike.
My mountain bike has all the fancy new clutch derailluers and narrow/wide mess to keep the chain in place, but is this necessary on the road?
My bike is a Giant TCX cross bike and Im runnin a 46/36t up front and 11-28t in the back. Even on big climbing rides like the Marion to Mitchell ride I didnt need my 36t. Im thinking of going with a 42 to 48t chainring and 11-34 cassette when I replace my worn chain/cassette and that should give me even more range.
Im in Asheville, where I wont be hitting long flat stretches where I would need a bigger 50T+ chain ring, and I dont plan on hopping in a 25mph pace line anytime soon. I just like to hit big climbs on the Parkway and gravel roads around the forest.
The dilemma is I have a second wheelset with 35c Slant 6s to use when I ride the bike at Bent Creek and on other non-technical singletrack/gravel spots. Im worried that a standard chainring wont be enough to prevent the chain from dropping in the rough stuff. I could use a guide as a last resort but I'd rather not.
So...
Should I go with a dedicated single speed chainring?
Would a standard ramped chainring work?
Is there something Im missing that would make this a dumb idea?
and the reason for going 1x is mostly for aesthetics (so my OCD doesnt destroy me on every ride) and the challenge of not having a "bailout" gear.
I await your answer Jerry
thanks.