Plated chainstay for 1x ti custom gravel

[NormH]

I've been working with Waltly for a custom gravel build based on the Canyon Grail. Coincidentally (but for the same reasons), China Cycling on Youtube just put out a video of his Waltly build based on the Grail.

The Grail's XS and S sizes run a shorter chainstay (415) and are basically built for a 650B wheel. Currently, I'm riding a 48t single chainring up front with an 11-34 rear cassette. I live in Shanghai, so the steepest climb I face is an overpass, but I can cruise pretty fast if I'm drafting an electric scooter, etc.

Waltly says that given the short chainstay, the max chainring will be a 44t unless I go with a plated design (picture is attached). It costs an extra 70 bucks, though I'm not worried about the money; I'm trying to decide if the aesthetics work and if it's worth it from a speed/gear ratio standpoint. I figured I'd throw it out there. Do you guys have any thoughts?

[tripleDot]

I also recently saw that China Cycling video about the Canyon Grail Waltly built. As for your concern, aesthetically, it would depend on the chainring you use. Some CR would pretty much cover that plate and render moot whatever look it would pose. As for is it worth it, how important is speed to you?

[bxcc]

As Tripledot mentioned, most of the plate will be covered. Personally, I'd go for it if it made my ring choice work. It definitely would not be a deal breaker.

[carbonazza]

Couldn't a dropped(or even chopped!) chainstay allow some more room for the ring, instead of the tire ?
Like https://sevencycles.com/options/chainstays.php

However, I'm not sure it is better aesthetically than a plate covered by the chairing 

[NormH]

Couldn't a dropped(or even chopped!) chainstay allow some more room for the ring, instead of the tire ?
Like https://sevencycles.com/options/chainstays.php

Thanks for this; I'll ask them about it. Meanwhile, I got a 44t and started riding it yesterday just to see. My gut reaction: It's adequate of course, but probably ultimately too limiting. I think I would be frustrated enough to go back to a double chainring...

[tripleDot]

I hope they can do the dropped chainstay. They wouldn't (or couldn't) do an elevated chainstay when I commissioned them to do a copy of the Trek Stache early this year.

[carbonazza]

Thanks for this; I'll ask them about it. Meanwhile, I got a 44t and started riding it yesterday just to see. My gut reaction: It's adequate of course, but probably ultimately too limiting. I think I would be frustrated enough to go back to a double chainring...

For me the best combination would be a 46 oval(Garbaruk) or 48 round with a 10-50 Eagle cassette.
I run a 46 round/Eagle right now, and know now I could go a bit bigger.

[Jotegr]

@op, I think if you stick a 48t chainring in front of the plated chainstay you won't be able to tell... all you'll see is your 48t chainring

I hope they can do the dropped chainstay. They wouldn't (or couldn't) do an elevated chainstay when I commissioned them to do a copy of the Trek Stache early this year.

Were they able to get the stay down to ~405mm? I'm a huge fan of my stache but funnily enough the elevated chainstay is going to force me to sell the bike once the replacement frame comes in.

[tripleDot]

@Jotegr, we tried but it didn't work out, so I went with this instead.
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,2937.0.html

[NormH]

I hope they can do the dropped chainstay. They wouldn't (or couldn't) do an elevated chainstay when I commissioned them to do a copy of the Trek Stache early this year.

This is what Amy at Waltly had to say: "No dropper chainstay now , because no 3D print here, if casting process , it is expensive ." So that's decided. I asked her to give me a plated chainstay with a max 50t chainring. It'll show if I swap out for a smaller chainring when my travels call for it, but it's a look I can learn to love.

[tripleDot]

I don't necessarily find the 'plated' chainstay to be unsightly or 'learn to loved', maybe it needs getting used to. If you want, why not have your name or some art etched into it to make it unique.