3x8 to 1x8 MTB Conversion - Stupid or WORTH IT? 

Yay a fellow rider that has no money and unknowingly triggers every single xc rider on the face of the Earth. Some people don't realize that we ride for fun not a Strava time.

Ah man really needed to see you testing it out

TIP: Use a zip tie and some alcohol to remove cheap grips. Alcohol will also help with the reinstall. TIP: Put the grommets on the inside of the chain ring for that "not so cheap" look. REQUEST: Please take the rear derailleur off too.

What are those spasers

I'd like to force this guy to listen to this music with headphones on full blast.

"no body likes taking of handle bar grips" someone has never had lock on grips...

"He's using a multi tool for everything!!" Well, it's called a MULTI tool, so...

Nothing is stupid if it works.

I really like how honest this guy is. I’m a beginner and also find myself very interested and eager to learn more about fixing up mine and my kids bikes. And I’m also a cheap ass lol

"I'm just a dumb mountainbiker that likes to tinkle with his toys" wow he totally described my condition

Remove the front derailleur for a cleaner sleeker look.

Do you like watching seths bike hacks? Because i noticed that you have almost the same approach.

I have a 3x8 hardtail but never touch the front shifter tbh. I always ride the middle chainring. Thanks for showing that the makeover is possible and actually not hard to do.

Did my 27 speed, just removed the smallest and largest chainrings and added a bash guard. Also removed the front derailleur and shifter. Works fine and super cheap.

Fun. I’ve thought about it. Getting a good range rear cassette is what has kept me from trying it.

Remove the reflector. It weight a ton of uncoolness

Proud 1 by 8 owner. I've actually upgraded the cassette to a 11-42T, which gives me quite a bit of range. Works like a charm!

Year 2018 and you still use square tapered crank and 8 speeds??? I am glad I am not alone LoL. I run 38T with custom 12-32 sprockets btw :)

At the end of the day. If wasn't for RU-vid no one would care how you Modded your bike 😜

U should take the front derailleur off tho

I done the same thing recently after realising out of the 27 gears on my bike I was using about 4!

Well as my old friend Timon would say “Hakuna Matata”

You should get lock on grip

Recently converted a mint 2011 Trek Gary Fischer Marlin 29er into a 1x8 but i also swapped the crankset to hollowtech for even more weight savings. I bought the bike off a guy who literally bought it brand new rode it 2 times with his kids then hung it on the wall in the garage and that was that lol. I also swapped the pedals for some raceface clones, the bars to 180mm Satori Deviants and put on some locking grips. Did a complete tear down and service of the front coil fork which made a massive difference. I was going to swap the fork for an air fork but after servicing the coil fork im actually really happy with it. As long as i can keep the sticktion down by keeping it serviced I think it will last for a really long time. As for the 1x8 setup its very solid. I went with a 32T chainring up front but ive got a 30t chainring on the way i want to try. In the lower gears its a little stiff on climbs. My plan has always been to swap the cassette for a BiBike groupset 10 speed 11t-50t eventually. But for now that 32t chainring with the stock 8 speed 11t-32t cassette really just isnt ideal for climbs. If the wheels were 27.5 or smaller it would probably be ok but with the 29 inch wheels its just too hard on climbs even in the lowest 32t cassette gear. But once i have the 11-50 10 speed cassette id bet the 32t chianring will be perfect.

I remember being a kid and upgrading my Raleigh Rampar 500. I went to Bradley's department store which hasn't existed in a long time. They had a BMX section with bike parts. Not top of the line but good for a kid. I upgraded every single part of my bike and I took pride in it. Thank God there are still kids like this! Great video keep biking! I'm 46 I still hit the trails and bike more than I ever had. But I still do dumb s**t and wreck all the time. Scars are better than tattoos!

I own a Montague Paratrooper (folding) 26" mountain bike with 3 chainrings. The smallest ring can climb any steep grade, the middle ring is boringly neutral, and the best ring is unquestionably the biggest one. The lowest gear on this ring can climb very steep grades, and the highest gear is very fast in straight-line speed. So I decided to use this ring alone, and forget the rest, since it is definitely the most versatile. However, I see no logical reason to remove this whole setup just to save a measly few ounces, and it looks fine just the way it is. I only ride, I don't race.

Here are 3 tips (for slip-on grips): 1. When taking grips off, use an air compressor and put the nozzle under the lip of the grip. If no compressor is available, kinda semi roll the grip of the bar onto itself. 2. You can shove some zip ties under/in the grip to get it off. 3. To put grips on, spray alcohol/water onto the bars (it will dry), it make it much easier Or just use lock on grips! (My preference, they're more secure too)

tip for getting grips off put a 2mm allen key under the grip pour some rubbing alcohol under pull the key out and they will slide right off. RJ the bike guy is where I got it from. Its much easier.

If you pour rubbing alcohol in the space between the grip and the bar (use a nail or paperclip to create some space) the grips come off super easy

Love the vid and the background music!!!

That's a great idea. you can get a pretty good gear ratio for most stuff even with an 1X8. I also have a 26T chainring installed in case I have to climb a huge hill, and when that happens I just stop and move the chain to the small ring manually. It rarely happens so I think it is still better than having a front derailleur. I hate front derailleur. Even my road bikes don't have front derailleur!!! ;)

I just bought a used talon 3 that was already converted to 1x8 by the seller. Keeps it simple for me , hill climbing and trails I'm riding works perfect.

Very stupid why would anyone only 8 gears. 🙄 ❤

shoot a 1 x 7 would work fine too(what I use), I think the only things that would matter is the size of the largest cog and the smallest cog on the cassette or freewheel, for climbing and speed.

You should have got a bash guard and you wouldn't have to use the lock washers. That is what I did with my 1x8 conversion.

Nice video - Don't forget the front derrailleur, it will rattle like crazy if you keep it, especially if you don't have a clutch in the back. You could do from now on 1x10 really easy, $48 a Shimano Zee FR Derailleur(cheapest clutch system I believe), $21 a Shimano Zee Shifter and a cheap 11-36 cassette(prices at jensonusa - cheapest around) Zero chain drops, and I ride pretty hard on both of my bikes. That's what I did on my 29er Diamondback Overdrive and a Norco Shore 3 downhill. It is awesome !

Bro were the same, i aslo converted my 3x8 to a 1x8 setup but i changed the cassette its now 11-40

I speak spanish bro, I don't understand nothing but I was like the video jajajajajaj

great. how does the bicycle ride now.

I've just recently converted from 3x9 to a 1x9. Have not upgraded my rear derailleur yet, do have a 11-40 cassette upgrade, previously a 11-34, new chain, derailleur hanger extender, and a 34 tooth n/w chainring. Lost a little gear range on both ends, but, I love it! Declutters the handlebars, drops a little weight and looks very cool and simple. Bbg bashwich bash guard, protects chain ring and works as a chain retainer also. Works well, looks cool, lighter weight, simpler, and cleaner. May upgrade to eagle nx in the near future. More low end, so increases gear range. Great vid. I appreciate your conversion. Follow up vid would be cool. I bet it works great and looks cool!

if you have to climb -a stupid idea

Try oval chainring. also the fork on this bike is scary and the race face chain rings are strong, but does not help if cranks are garbage, I managed to twist a chainring. for mtb 1x8 is horrible for mtb, even commuting, at least with stock cassette, but ok for flatter areas, of course if it's a bike with smaller wheels it will be lighter than for 29er. if you got small enough chainring and wide range cassette it can work.

Multitools for everything...hahaha I knw wht u feel dude..😆

This looks fun! Now, I want to convert from 3x9 to 1x9!!

might look really cool to use the breech side of a shell or rifle casing drilled out instead of lock washers

Seth's bike hacks also used to run a 1 by 8 setup on his trek bicycle

the reason to take the handle grips off first is that you feel a lot stronger at the beginning of the project and probably your hands are cleaner 🤔 LOL ???

I have 3x9 .... i feel better is change for a totally new bike if you want to move to 1x9 or other setup

I just did this mod to my old 90's Univega and love it!

This is a really good video. just subscribed keep it up and you'll have heaps more

I've got an old Gravity Liberty CXD from bikes direct that came with a 3x8 Claris groupset. The front derailleur is absolute garbage. It won't shift into the big ring at all. I've played with cable tension and the limit screws and nothing works. After watching this, I'm going to tear off the derailleur and the outer two chainrings. It'll give me a range of 30/32 to 30/11. Definitely limits top speed, but the climbing gear isn't terrible and not having to worry about grinding gears on front shifts will be a relief.

I converted to 1x last year. after a few months I converted back to 3x. for the kind of riding I do I need the extreme ends of the gear range. 1x seems like a compromise to save a bit of weight.

Annoying music

Been using 1x7 speed for 2 years and i received a body builder's legs

Also by removing the large chain ring you lose speed on the open road and down hill

Pro tip to remove the grip, roll it into itself to take it off. So much easier lol

First realistic vid of an 3x8 to a 1x8 conversion on a budget. Thanks man I was unsure to do it and be judged. ❤

I hope you didn't throw away your 3 X set up because in a year or two when The Fad goes away you'll be wanting to put it back on

it is more cleaner to look if those lock washers are placed on the backside of the chain ring

Budget MTB 👍 Keep riding bro and don’t listen to the haters, those guys are broke

That a good attemt to change, give us a next video with the results uf swapping from 3x8 to 1x 8 , the results, thanks, joe.

Nothing to switching to a 1 by, but maybe invest in some lock on grips?

I just did that. 32t chainring & 7speed 11-32t sprockets. The climbs were brutal. I put back the 22t chainring and it's now a 2x7 👍

I feel sorry for the multi tool. Goes through more abuse then the bike. LOL

I did the same thing to a 3x9. Now it is a 1x10. So much simpler and cleaner. I was told not worthy since the bike is a bit old but I am glad I did it.

Is that Giant Talon 3?

If it works for you, then that shouldnt be a problem. In my setup, i converted from 3x but i didnt bother to remove the smallest chainring. The middle chainring is still stock (ramped) then just put the RD clutch in the on position then thats it. Instant 1x setup

Your XC bike now has two speeds fewer than my DH bike😄. Also, I wouldn’t keep the small chainring bolts in the crank if you’re trying to save weight. Awesome video by the way, inspired by Seth’s Bike Hacks maybe?

Or just buy the right size chainring bolts.

Unless you are only going downhill I guess its ok but I wouldn't do it.

ill do it with my 11-42 8speed

No before and after pics at the end? Fail...

No lmao I have a 1×7

98 schwinn, S-10 Deore groupset, went to 11-40 sunrace, added goat tooth, shoved "B" adj all way in, its perfect, LEFT my front cog ALONE pulled front raller, so im 22 -40, n on the STEEP rds here in the mountains where i live its AWSM, can climb hilz id never get up..not 4 everyone, but if u climb alot, you'll never miss the front raller...

It's awesome cause the only thing you can accidentally bump on the trail is the fine gears and they don't mess you up as much

Interesting convertion! Lighter, simpler, more reliable, quieter etc But what do you miss most about your old 3x8? I have a 3x8 on mine, have been tempted to do just this but love the really low gearing and really high gear for flat out sprinting on tarmac or smoother tracks. Maybe a 2x9 might be a better compromise for me? Mostly do cross country rides, with some quite hard climbs and downhill sections.

Use a air compressor to take of & on your grips a lot easier .

Thinking about it I think you put the Lock Washers on the wrong side, see the way your doing simply has no effect on the Chainring's alignment, NONE, now if you placed said Lock Washers on the other side of the arm it would've shifted the alignment! O.o

I'm thinking to convert my bike from a 3x9 to a 1x9. That crankarm is supposed to be torqued with 40nm, don't know how you achieved that with your multitool...😂 Eventually it's going to fall of.

I think you just sacrificed all your top end & bottom end! But depending how you ride, you might not even notice.

The physics is, when u up or down 1 cog in front derailure, its equal to 2 to 3 up or down in rear cog 3by is more useful if ur neighbourhood have steep hill

Thumbs up for flattening the washers and using them for spacers. Love to see fellow tinkerers being resourceful.

What is it with all these guys who can't use a front deraileur? I rented a 1x11 bike, hated it, never in the right gear and at the lower gears there was definitely huge chain drag.

Trek Marlin 4 has the Rear hub Formula DC31, it will be good if there is a 8 speed 11-42T freewheel available for 1X8 conversion, I cannot find any 8 speed 11-42T freewheel to suit the Rear hub Formula DC31.

If you aren't racing or climbing incredibly steep hills and if you don't mind losing top speeds attained with a bigger chainring for times you are out on the open roads, then its ok. But if you want ride your bike in a variety of situations, its not worth it.

Well, the results couldn't have been too good since you bought a new bike right after.

You just made your bike less capable. Good job!

Elephant in the room: chainline

That's not cheap.. that's smart. People who buy any or everything are suckers who can't do nada! Also not a bad idea to convert a 3x to a 1x8. I did and I love it. And people love my mtb. It shows character

I enjoyed that ride! You got the job done! Sometimes you have to improvise. I upgraded an old mongoose bike by replacing the crappy rear spring shock with an (not too expensive, but ok) air shock. To get the bushings out of the old shock and into the new shock, I cobbled together a few sockets and a big c-clamp. Worked just fine and didnt cost anything. Enjoy your new bike!!!

You can get an 11-40 cassette for like 30 bucks off amazon

nah not a stupid idea, just depends on what you want to do with the bike.

I did the exact same thing on my Giant Talon! I have a Truvativ Descendant GXP Alloy crankset, but I have a wide range 8 speed 11-40t sunrace cassette out back.

Everyone seems to be wanting to convert 2x and 3x to 1x. Related to this, I bought a Mongoose Dolomite ALX, which is a 2x8. I love it AS-IS. Don't think that you have to follow the sheep. Heck, would you wear a worthless piece of cloth over your face just because everyone else is? Never mind...

Because of this video, I will convert my mtb to 1×8 later..

Was riding my middle (34t) chainring always so got a new crank with a narrow wide 32t. 1x8. Ride only trails and so far no drawbacks. Besides, it looks sick. And im not smashing my largest chainring into stuff like before. More clearence.

I done this but just got a bit bigger front sprocket think it's about 40 teeth 😀

Squirt WD40 under the grip to get it off easily. Apply WD40 to replace the grip. It soon dries to leave the grip firmly in place.

any successful conversion from shimano tourney FC-TY501 carnkset with narrow-wide: corki Single Speed Narrow Wide Chainring 34T? thanks in advance!

Buddy, an excellent idea. And is better 1x8, less weight, more easy handle shifts.