1x9 Set-Up on a Pugsley - Need Help/Advice

[tlarwa]

Looking for some help from the experts ...

Just bought my first fattie, a 2012 Pugsley. It’s been converted to a 1x9 (which I like, since I run 1x11 on my gravel bike), but I’m not sure I like the ratios or whether they are going to work for my intended use. The set up seems pretty thrown together to me, although it works fine. It’s a SRAM X5 crankset, with 22/36 rings, although only the 36 is being used. There is a Paul chain keeper installed. In the rear is a Deore 9 speed derailleur (M591, I believe), and an 11/34 9 speed cassette. The rear shifter is Deore.

My intended use is snow rides, although I intend to use it on gravel (my club does a fattie ride every Thursday) and singletrack as well. I am a novice trail rider (lifelong roadie). I think I’d like to have a higher gear for the climbs, but I’m not sure the best way to achieve that. As I see it I could:

1. Get a 9 speed cassette with a larger cog, but I’m not sure what the RD can handle (34 tooth from what I’ve read)
2. Get a smaller front ring (32?), but again, I’m not sure what I could install on the x5 crankset
3. Buy a different crankset. I’m fine with that, but have no idea what to get.
4. Buy a different RD. Again, which one?

I don’t mind spending a little money, but I don’t want to go all in and buy a 1x11 set up if I don’t have to. I’d like to rework the 1x9 if I can make it work.

Suggestions?

[shortwaveradio]

The easiest thing to do without jumping down the rabbit hole of needing to upgrade everything to be compatible would be downsizing the chainring to be in line with a true mtb 1x ratio. 36t is almost gravel/cx territory. You'd be able to upgrade to a narrow wide while you're at it. I'd recommend a 32t and if that doesn't work for you, upgrade the cassette to something with a 34t cog. X5 cranks only came in 104 bcd, there are several n/w options for that size. Race Face and Wolf Tooth come to mind.

After that, you're on to upgrading the derailleurs and possibly wheels (for the XD driver) if you're trying to go super wide range with the cassette, at which point you won't be able to do 9spd, so shifters will need to be upgraded too.

[tlarwa]

The cassette already has a 34t cog ... will the 9 speed Deore handle a bigger cog? And will the X5 crank take a 32t ring? Guess I’ll have to do some research!

[shortwaveradio]

32 will make a big difference for the chainring, and I edited my comment right at the same time you posted to include info on the x5. The Deore might even be able to squeeze a 36t cassette, as Shimano is usually pretty conservative with their capacity numbers.

[tlarwa]

Just want to confirm ... will a 30 or 32 tooth Race Face narrow wide ring bolt onto my existing X5 crank as the outer ring? The X5 is 104 bcd, and the Race Face ring comes in that size. If so, I think that’s my solution!

[weisan]

If I understand what you are trying to do...and if this is my bike, this is what I would do.

1) 9 speed 11-40

https://tomtop_home.guphotos.com/i/w?u=/images/Y/2/Y7262/Y7262-1-5dcc-Saq4.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Speed-11-40T-MTB-Mountain-Bike-Cassette-Sprocket-Freewheel-Accessories-H1B2/202318593154?hash=item2f1b20bc82:rk:5:pf:0

2) Roadlink adaptor
https://www.livechatus2016.com/images/18/09/v/23001305/9.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Derailleur-Road-Bike-Tail-Rear-Hook-Adapter-Wolftooth-Roadlink-MTB-Grand/253894647354?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=553195430522&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I experimented this setup on my gravel bike and it worked.
11-40 rear + roadlink + deore long cage deraileur
That's what on this picture.
http://alicehui.com/bike/Plug/IMG_9553.jpg

[weisan]

If I understand what you are trying to do...and if this is my bike, this is what I would do.

1) 9 speed 11-40

https://tomtop_home.guphotos.com/i/w?u=/images/Y/2/Y7262/Y7262-1-5dcc-Saq4.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Speed-11-40T-MTB-Mountain-Bike-Cassette-Sprocket-Freewheel-Accessories-H1B2/202318593154?hash=item2f1b20bc82:rk:5:pf:0

2) Roadlink adaptor
https://www.livechatus2016.com/images/18/09/v/23001305/9.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-Derailleur-Road-Bike-Tail-Rear-Hook-Adapter-Wolftooth-Roadlink-MTB-Grand/253894647354?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=553195430522&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I experimented this setup on my gravel bike and it worked.
11-40 rear + roadlink + deore long cage deraileur

[shortwaveradio]

Just want to confirm ... will a 30 or 32 tooth Race Face narrow wide ring bolt onto my existing X5 crank as the outer ring? The X5 is 104 bcd, and the Race Face ring comes in that size. If so, I think that’s my solution!

Yes. Also, the tanpan/roadlink in tandem with the big 9 speed cassette mentioned above is another viable mod that I didn't consider. I didn't think there were wide range 9 speed cassettes available.

[JAGI410]

Usually when people do 1x on a fatbikes but leave the small chainring, it's for manual shifting. Sometimes you can get deep in the brush/snow and a 22t front ring makes sense, but not used enough to justify have a front derailleur.

I run 30t front on my fatty, with a 11-40t cassette. I greatly prefer the current narrow wide chainrings and clutched derailleurs for fatty use. I don't want a dropped chain when it's -20 out I might have to take off gloves to fix it.

[tlarwa]

Usually when people do 1x on a fatbikes but leave the small chainring, it's for manual shifting. Sometimes you can get deep in the brush/snow and a 22t front ring makes sense, but not used enough to justify have a front derailleur.

I run 30t front on my fatty, with a 11-40t cassette. I greatly prefer the current narrow wide chainrings and clutched derailleurs for fatty use. I don't want a dropped chain when it's -20 out I might have to take off gloves to fix it.

Understood, but I’m trying to not replace the RD, or go to 10 or 11 speed where I’d need a new rear shifter as well. I really just want a lower gear for climbing. So I think the 30 or 32 tooth Race Face narrow wide ring might be worth trying as a cheap solution.

[KVN]

You’ll likely need a wider range cassette if you want to go 1x. In most areas 30x34 is not going to be low enough for snowy climbs while trail riding. I have 28x42 as my lowest gear combination and use it every ride.

For the ultimate budget approach, I’d keep the current setup but remove the chain keeper. You can manually switch the front rings, since one seems well suited for snow riding and the other road/gravel. Otherwise, buying a front derailleur could be another good option.