Converting to single ring up front

Did you ever learn to use 53/39 - 11/25 before you modified the bike?

It's a genuine question, apologies for it's bluntness.

It was compact, 50x34 with 11-25 on the back. Now it has a 48T on the front. I left it stock for about 500 miles before I took it off. I don't know I could say I learnt to use them though, I always preferred going up and down sequentially on the back so just ignored the front. Might be an old dog new tricks thing as I used to ride MTB that way.

Try Yorkshire on a 48x25...

To Hovis... There is a point on the cassette which when reached you shift down at the front, and up 1 on the cassette.

This gives you sweet 'sequential' gears with just 2 clicks.

You should only be hanging around with a crossed chain if you can see what the gradient of the road is doing and not worth shifting for the short section.

it is a sweet spot indeed....

Good article if you're seriously concidering 1x9 but on the road it seems silly
http://www.erikv.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/9/6/Single-Chainring-Cyclocross

Before I built up my 52 * 12-28, I was running a 42/52 * 12-21 which is fairly normal for a road set-up.

The single ring plus touring block on the back gives me plenty of range (lower lowest gear than previously) plus I'm not bothered by the slight "jump" between gear ratios, in fact, I prefer it. Saves double-shifting.

I do have other bikes running a double on the front, but I agree with the comment regarding front mechs in general; they're pretty crude, and if I can get away without one then I will.

Alright, wisdom accepted. I shall order a front derailleur and see how it goes.

You could get a chain 'keeper' from Paul Comp

Hmmm...

I run a single up front with non of the above meaures and have had no problems at all.

52x12-25, using the full range.

1+

ran 44x11-28 in London, no problem, making sure that the middle of the cassette lined up with the chainring helped massively.

It's only with MTB that the chain will fall off.

Brilliant!

Brilliant!

Yes!