Retrofitting sprocketsClimbing gear for 1x10 gears

BIKE Magazin

 · 29.09.2015

Retrofitting sprockets: Climbing gear for 1x10 gearsPhoto: Thomas Thiesen
Retrofitting sprockets: Climbing gear for 1x10 gears
Botch-ups and despair live in every DIY workshop. But now comes Super Dan, the saviour of all hobby mechanics. This time he shows you how to correctly fit a 40 or 42 mm mountain sprocket.

Single drivetrains manage with just one chainring at the front and thus reduce the number of high-maintenance shifting components. The cockpit is clearer and shifting is more intuitive with just one gear lever. However, for many, the range of the overall gear ratio is not sufficient.

For snap-breathing fans of the 1x10 drivetrain concept, a special mountain sprocket can be a saviour on steep climbs. But 29er riders or bikers with double cranks can also benefit from a 40 or 42 mm "pizza plate". A number of manufacturers now offer the extra-large slip-on sprockets for retrofitting.

However, before you can convert your bike to ramp-compatible, you should consider a few points. Check whether your cassette is suitable for the conversion. There should be no problems with Shimano XT and XTR as well as Sram X5, X7 and X9. Your rear derailleur must also have sufficient capacity. A medium cage usually only works with a single chainring. For double drivetrains, you need a rear derailleur with a long cage. Rear derailleurs with a short cage do not have sufficient capacity for such large sprockets.

1. dismantle cassette, replace sprocket

 Attach the chain whip and the cassette remover to the cassette and loosen the cassette end ring. You can then remove the cassette from the freewheel. Now remove the 17 mm sprocket and the corresponding spacer ring. With some sprocket sets, you also have the option of removing the 15 mm sprocket.
Photo: BIKE Magazin

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