I boutght a 2 ring crank 42/27, then JB gave me a 9 spd shifter. With the 9 spd cassette I don't need my small ring in the front. I wish I had a 1 by 9 now. I think I'm going to change out to a 42/ 30 something (see what's available) when it's worn so I can keep the chain straighter and not have such a big jump from big to small ring.