Spiderless or bolt on single rings?

[ishaw]

Having a crank dilemma on my latest project. It will be 1x10 but not sure whether to use a 2x crank with a single ring or a spiderless crank. What are the merits of either option?

I've a few cranks in the stash to choose from, but understanding the benefits/drawbacks of each may help me decide.

If it helps, I have a new e13 trs crankset with a few spiderless rings to choose from, or a carbon k-force light which I bought as 2x but looks to be able to run triple.

Also have some 2x turbines and some fsa afterburners, one set is 4 arm 2x, the other 3 arm 2x.

 

[Woz]

Re:

The fundamental advantage of a 1x spiderless crank is for SS applications - it is (should be) perfectly centered so it doesn't create tight and slack points in the chain.

Otherwise, any crank with a decent chainline would work fine with a rear mech.

 

[stevet1]

Re:

Spiderless design allows you to run a smaller ring, think the smallest is 32t for a four bolt (maybe 30t with offset?).
3x chainsets work better than 2x for single front ring as t he middle position is in line with the middle of the rear cassette unlike a 2x where neither are perfect.

 

[tintin40]

after reading this thread. I've decided to go spiderless for my THM M3 cranks

 

[ishaw]

Re:

I have these (well not these, as they are on my wife's bike, but another set). Whilst 2x, they seem to put the outer ring where the middle ring on a 3x would go.

Would they give a decent chain line?

 

[mattr]

I'm running similar on one of my bikes (3x crank converted to 2x).

No problem with chain line, at all.

 

[tintin40]

Having now fitted my spider less chainring. For 1x its best. Now no chainring bolts to look after. Plus loose a bit of weight. ticks all my boxes. Wish i'd fitted it sooner. Saved £££ on not buying chainring bolts, spiders & chainrings That are no longer needed.