Single-ring drivetrains make sense for a lot of riders, especially when running wide ratio 36T or 42T (eleven-speed) cassettes. Less is more, say converts to the single chainring bandwagon—less clutter on your bike, less to think about, and less to go wrong since there are fewer parts to fail. Upping the "cool factor" of one-by systems is the ability to forgo chain retention devices. To ditch the chain guide, you'll first need a rear derailleur with a clutch, which most current derailleurs have, to reduce chain slack throughout your suspension's travel. Second, you'll need a one-by-specific chainring, like the Race Face Narrow Wide Single Chain Ring 104BCD. This is not just any old single-ring ring, however, but is designed to prevent chain drops by tenaciously keeping the chain engaged through the use of "Narrow-Wide" teeth profiling. Every other tooth is shaped like a regular, non-shifting tooth, but the other teeth are thicker, with additional "spines" on either side of the tooth. This combination fits into the chain's different-sized links, and practically eliminates the chance of chain drop. Use of this product is not guaranteed to prevent chain drop.