That XT Shadow Plus clutch mech (esp when coupled with a narrow/wide chainring) makes a huge difference to chain retention. I wish that shit had been around 20 years ago - my bike has been run as a 1x since day one (1x9 originally) and I fucked around trying chain retention devices as it often threw the chain upon shifting to the smallest sprocket. None of them really worked, but clutch mechs and n/w rings represent genuine progress. For a 1x setup, they're essential.
That XT Shadow Plus clutch mech (esp when coupled with a narrow/wide chainring) makes a huge difference to chain retention. I wish that shit had been around 20 years ago - my bike has been run as a 1x since day one (1x9 originally) and I fucked around trying chain retention devices as it often threw the chain upon shifting to the smallest sprocket. None of them really worked, but clutch mechs and n/w rings represent genuine progress. For a 1x setup, they're essential.