Broken Bike - Need Component Upgrade Suggestions

[Blizzard7763]

So my frame is cracked. LBS says it should be replaced under warranty. I'm thinking while they have it apart I may as well convert to 1x9, since I've wanted to anyway. Sounds like I need a chain guide and maybe a few other parts. Anyone have favorites?

Carnage:

[bfree]

Was the proper sized seatpost in there?

MRP chainguides are legit. EThirteen and Blackspire are popular too. There are a lot of good options out there, just decide if you want a top guide only or top and bottom, and pick the mounting choice that will work with your bike. Get a single ring up front that's made to be run single - no ramps/pins. Other than that, you're good to go. The whole point is to take parts off, not put them on

[Blizzard7763]

Was the proper sized seatpost in there?

As far as I know, yes. I bought it from that same LBS. Never was used with the seatpost above the minimum insert mark, either.

I'll check those out. Does a top and bottom guide make it harder for the chain to come off?

[bfree]

Maybe a little, but I've never had a problem with dropping chains running only the top (on an xc hardtail). It's also to reduce chainslap, though the new clutch derailleurs work well for that too.