How To Convert Your Road Bike To 1x

So you want to modify your bike to a 1x or single chainring setup? Alex is here to share with you how to do just that as he switches his road bike setup!

Using aftermarket parts may nullify any OEM warranties and guarantees of performance provided with your bike. Always use a torque wrench and grease relevant components during assembly. We can accept no liability for any injuries or damage sustained should you try to recreate anything shown in this video.

Welcome 0:00
What equipment will I need? 0:17
Removing the old parts 1:46
Will it actually save me weight? 1:59
Fitting an OSPW 3:38
Fitting the chain ring 4:03
Sizing and fitting a chain for 1x 6:21
Fitting a chain guard 9:14
The final set up 10:06

Useful Links:

Watch more on GCN Tech...

🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
December Batch - Discovery
A Nifty Piece of Work - The New Fools
Afternoon Swing - Five Dime Fellas
EqualX - Gregory David
Lilacs - [ocean jams]
Older Now - Rospigg_mk2
Power Drill Rev 3 - SFX Producer
Solid Centre - Dusty Decks
when i hop - baegel

#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #biketech

📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech – past, present and future.

Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.

We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.

Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Watch our sister channels:

[gcntech]

🤔 Are you tempted by a 1x/Single chainring on your bike?
Let us know why you would, or wouldn't 👇

[FoxFox-ic]

If it isn’t broken, fix it untill it is 😂

[_Zane__]

The color of the chain ring makes it look like cardboard 😂

[cherriagana]

One of the things I enjoy ALLOT with my 1X 53teeth 105setup is that it's way way easier to clean.
The front mech is a dirt/mud magnet :D

[phil_d]

3 minutes in, Alex realises it's a bad idea!!! 😂

[nickgoogle]

I converted my bike to 0x. This is great. Now my riding is totally effortless! You should try that.🙂

[philipwooldridge]

Another pro you now have some dura ace chain rings in the parts bin for a new project.

[galenkehler]

I saved a ton of money by going 1x when I built my bike a few years ago. Removing the front derailleur, wire, and expensive chainset was a significant savings, and allowed me to get di2 where I wouldn't have been able to afford it in the full 2x.

[foxy]

1x for the commuter bike, less maintenance, easy clean and less cost wearing out parts, when cycling in wet winter conditions.

[graffhead]

I like how you break a bolt, the explain that it was due to not using a torque wrench... then proceed to continue tightening the remainder of the bolts without a torque wrench. This would have been a great opportunity to go and get one

[Kimberlietriracer]

Interesting setup. Looking forward to seeing how it performs in your race.

[_MrSnrub]

Alberto has a penchant for mismatching bike components. First the brown saddle and black bar tape, now the gold chainring without any other gold on the bike. Well done Ahmad!

[graffhead]

Also, I just want to add: I am a professional mechanic who works at one of the most high end shops in my country. If I didn't already know all of these processes, there is absolutely no way I could have followed along to do this job myself, at home. I'm not sure if the intention of this video was to teach people how to do this process, but if it was, maybe break it down a bit more next time.

I still think you guys are great and do a great job. I just had to share a little constructive criticism.

[jahoppey]

Is this the new 'hack or bodge?' from the GCN Show? 👻

[jefflabianco]

I used a 1x setup on my bike for a while with a 44 tooth chainring and 11-32 cassette, was pretty good in the flat area I live in but found that it was pretty uncomfortable on Zwift for climbing, I’m not the most powerful guy either just about 200ftp so I was on the limit for a virtual climb like alp du Zwift

[jaycamp]

Alex, years ago I learned a different way to determine your new chain length. Simply place the chain on the largest gears (front and back), pull the chain together to the point of max extension. Then, add just 1 link. This is where you cut the chain. Never has let me down.

[benjaminpk]

Cool! I've been thinking about making my indoor bike 1by for simplicity.

[Gabe_Hansen]

I would love to try the Vegan Cyclist setup (VC adventures on YouTube). A MTB rear derailleur with a 56 tooth single front charging and a 11-52 cassette on the back.

[olivierhenrat]

Would be greatly appreciated if you could indicate where these bolts covers are coming from!
Cheers!

[biscottigelato]

Thinking of 1x only for race day. Only if particularly flat race course. And a climbing only (no downhill extremely little flat) race